Crop Science

The James Hutton Institute’s Dundee site is hailed as a global centre for crop genetics research, underpinned by some of the best characterised and most diverse germplasm collections in the world.

Home to the Commonwealth Potato Collection and burgeoning populations of barley, soft fruit and brassica, these collections are used to identify desirable genes for valuable traits. These traits include not only pest and disease resistance, yield improvement and increased abiotic stress tolerance, but also improved nutritional quality, flavour, texture or shelf life.

James Hutton Limited works with customers to:

Develop molecular markers for traits of interest
Develop new breeding technologies based on a greater understanding of the control of recombination in crops
Understand plant/pathogen interactions
Association genetics
Linking genotype to phenotype through the development of genetic linkage maps

Crop science research is regularly supported through contract research projects managed by James Hutton Limited. Recent projects include, 'Strategies to reduce waste due to greening in potato tubers' and, 'Improving yield stability in UK blueberry production'.

Services

Bacteria testing at James Hutton Limited

Bacterial testing

Our team has over 30 years’ experience working in industry, Government bodies and research institutions, carrying out microbiological analysis on a range of materials using culturing and Most Probable Number (MPN) techniques.

Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary field that involves the development and application of computational methods for the analysis of large-scale biological data ranging.

BioSS

Improving science and society through an understanding of variation, uncertainty and risk.

Cannabinoids

Our expertise in all aspects of crop science – including breeding, diagnostics, soils, pathogens, genetics and phytochemistry, lends itself to the burgeoning European cannabis and hemp agricultural sector.

Contract Research

James Hutton Limited manages a number of collaborative projects with industry partners who seek to benefit from scientific research and innovations.

Crop and Crop Chemistry Trials

James Hutton Limited offers a world-class crop trial service, complete with a dedicated crop trial manager to oversee your project.

GIS

GIS is the backbone of 21st century environmental planning and decision making; knowing where to make changes, what to expect, how to measure impacts and interventions, all rely on good GIS.

Isotope Analysis

The analysis of a wide range of stable isotopes, bulk and compound specific analysis of light isotopes including, Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen and Hydrogen, and heavy isotopes, including Strontium, Neodymium, Samarium and Lead.

Molecular Diagnostics

Molecular Diagnostic tests can detect specific sequences in plant DNA or RNA that may be associated with disease resistance, quality/agronomic traits and varietal issues.

Plant Varieties, Breeding & Licensing

Breeders and scientists at James Hutton Limited and the James Hutton Institute use advanced breeding techniques supported by world-leading scientific expertise, ensuring the most innovative soft fruit and potato varieties.

Soil Analysis

The James Hutton Institute, and its predecessor organisations, is synonymous with soils with over 90 years experience of working with soils and farmers, as well as being responsible for the National Soils Database for Scotland.

Case Studies

Free-Living Nematode Diagnostic

Diagnostic testing for Free-Living Nemataodes.