The thin layer of soil surrounding plant roots, an interface that scientists define as the rhizosphere, is a habitat for a multitude of microorganisms collectively referred to as the rhizosphere microbiota. In analogy with the microbiota populating the digestive tract of vertebrates, the rhizosphere microbiota can promote the health, development and growth of their host plants. Thus, the rhizosphere microbiota emerges as a renewable alternative to synthetic agrochemicals.

Do you have any burning questions about the key issues influencing Scotland’s arable industry? Are you interested in sustainable farming practices and how best to achieve net-zero? Then why not visit Arable Scotland (Balruddery Farm near Dundee, DD2 5LL, Tuesday 5 July 2022, 10 am to 4:30 pm), Scotland's premier arable event focussing on knowledge and solutions for the arable industry and take part in this year’s Arable Conversations.

The Royal Highland Show (23-26 June 2022, Ingliston, Edinburgh EH28 8NB) is one of Scotland's most iconic events, and while it showcases the very best of farming food and rural life, it could be argued that it is actually a science, research and innovation event, since these disciplines underpin the future of agriculture in Scotland.

Phosphorus is an essential but often overlooked resource, which is vital for life on Earth and is extracted from phosphate rock for use in crop fertilisers, livestock feeds and food additives. A major new report by scientists warns that global mismanagement of this finite nutrient is causing twin crises, brought into sharp focus with fertiliser prices skyrocketing in recent months.

An international research team featuring the James Hutton Institute has shed further light on the evolution and biology of potato as a genetically complex global food crop.

Most commercially grown potato varieties are tetraploids, which means they possess four sets of chromosomes. Potato varieties that are diploid – with just two sets of chromosomes – are less complex to breed and have the potential to revolutionise future potato breeding and production.

Two hundred and ninety-six years ago, one of the most influential Scots ever was born: a man whose influence on our understanding of the earth was revolutionary at the time and has unlocked vast areas of related knowledge since then. He successfully challenged the then-accepted idea that the Earth was only thousands of years old. And yet his name is barely known in his homeland, despite his worldwide impact and reputation elsewhere.

A James Hutton Institute bioinformatician whose research focuses on plant genetics has been awarded the prestigious Peter Massalski Prize for Meritorious Research at the Scottish Society for Crop Research’s 2022 Annual General Meeting.

Dr Wenbin Guo is a post-doctoral researcher in the Institute’s Information and Computational Sciences department who has had several high-impact publications, bioinformatics software releases and contributions to successful funding applications.

The world’s first “climate-positive” gin, created using the humble garden pea, was recognised at the Herard’s Higher Education Awards on Tuesday, when the team behind the gin secured the “Outstanding Business Engagement” award for their efforts to create and build awareness of sustainable spirits.

Work by researchers at the James Hutton Institute that helps protect Scotland’s valuable potato crop against late blight is to continue thanks to funding from the Scottish Government for the Fight Against Blight (FAB) campaign in 2022. There had been uncertainty over the future of the project following the end of AHDB Potatoes operations last year.

Plant professionals from science, government and industry are gathering in Dundee to take part in Scotland’s Plant Health Conference – an event that will shine a light on the importance of keeping our plant resources safe in the face of threats from damaging pests and diseases.

The event is being organised by the Scottish Government, Scotland’s Plant Health Centre, Scottish Forestry, NatureScot and the Horticultural Trades Association. The theme this year is plant biosecurity, important to everyone who works with or handles plants.