UK Cereal Pathogen Virulence Survey

Tender description

The UK Cereal Pathogen Virulence Survey (UKCPVS) was set up in 1967 in response to an unexpected epidemic of yellow rust in the popular and previously resistant wheat variety Rothwell Perdix. This epidemic was as a result of the sudden emergence of a new race of yellow rust with virulence for this variety. The formation of the UKCPVS was in recognition of the urgent need to detect new pathogen races at an early stage, before widespread epidemics can establish. Early detection of changes in pathogen virulence remains the central aim of the UKCPVS. AHDB Cereals & oilseeds and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) are currently funding the work and are looking for a contractor to continue and develop current research over the next 2 years with the possibility of extension to 3 years (1 April 2016 to 31 March 2018 with the possibility of extension to 31 March 2019), commencing with isolate collection in April 2016 and then establishing relevant field plots for autumn sown crops in September 2016. There will be some parallel work with the existing contractor that is working on the current UKCPVS contract, therefore, good communication between both parties is essential