News - James Hutton Institute

News

Updates on our research, collaborations and exciting contributions from our scientists and experts.

Dr Tim George, the Deputy Director of the International Barley Hub, has been appointed President of the International Society of Root Research (ISRR) in recognition of his expertise in soil and root science.

In the 18th century, James Hutton, a leader in the Scottish Enlightenment movement, was one of the first to observe and write about potatoes being grown in Scotland. Many people were suspicious of the crop, as some of the early tubers were “fingerlike and black” – a symptom of leprosy.

It is often wildlife we think of when we talk about biodiversity. Yet, this biodiversity loss also extends to the crop diversity that determines the resilience of agri-food systems. Just like Scotland’s iconic wildlife, Scotland’s once thriving crop diversity, is also under threat.