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Fluctuating spring weather conditions pose a challenge to apple pollination in Ireland. Teagasc research into phenology characterisation of apple cultivars is supporting suitable polliniser selection and improved flowering synchrony, helping growers to optimise fruit set, quality, and yield. In apple cultivation, inadequate pollination reduces fruit set, leading to economic losses for growers. Ireland’s maritime […]
Salmonella is one of the world’s leading causes of food poisoning, and EU regulatory changes in the use of zinc oxide have made outbreaks more common in Irish pig farms. Understanding and mitigating Salmonella risks is crucial to reducing instances of salmonellosis. Salmonella infects humans through the consumption of contaminated foods, such as eggs and […]
A new study shows that solar photovoltaic systems can reduce emissions and energy costs on dairy farms, with spring-calving systems showing slightly stronger economic and environmental performance. Integrating renewable energy into agricultural systems is important for reducing the sector’s greenhouse gas emissions. Ireland is targeting a 22-30% reduction in agricultural emissions, a 62-81% reduction in […]
Hosted at Teagasc’s Moorepark campus, Moorepark Technology, Ltd. (MTL) provides start-ups, SMEs and emerging companies with crucial access to pilot-scale facilities for food and ingredient development. Ireland’s food, drink and horticulture exports now approach €19 billion annually, reflecting the scale and competitiveness of the country’s agri-food sector. Sustaining this performance depends not only on […]
Higher plant diversity in grasslands can boost yields while reducing fertiliser use. Findings from a global network of 26 sites highlight the potential of multispecies swards for productive, climate-resilient farming. Productive grasslands are widely used to supply forage for livestock, either in permanent grassland systems or as part of crop rotations. These swards are […]
Ireland’s grasslands could supply a new source of dietary protein if processed into protein-rich ingredients, supporting agricultural diversification while increasing output and lowering livestock-related emissions. Processing grass into protein-rich ingredients could allow Ireland’s grasslands to produce more digestible protein per hectare than some existing livestock systems. More than 90% of agricultural land in the […]
Preserved in Ireland’s national seed bank, historical barley varieties may hold great potential for today’s brewing, distilling and food production. Teagasc-led research has been assessing whether such heritage varieties can offer “new” qualities for contemporary markets. Historic barley varieties preserved in Ireland’s national seed bank could hold untapped potential for modern brewing, distilling and […]
Researchers at Teagasc Moorepark’s Food Research Centre are evaluating the propensity of certain food groups to cause bloating and associated conditions. Bloating and associated flatulence are relatively common conditions in the general population and are linked to a complex interplay involving an individual’s diet, their gut microbiome profile and other factors. In extreme cases, […]
Systemic surveillance Climate change and insecticide resistance are increasing the threat posed by plant viruses. Gaining a more systemic understanding of crop virus transmission is crucial for protecting the future of food production in Ireland. Pest plant viruses pose an increasing threat to food production globally, and Ireland is no exception. Virus transmission can occur […]
Reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions remains a key challenge for Ireland. Research at Teagasc is exploring how sheep breeding systems can be optimised to balance productivity and environmental efficiency. Agriculture is under increasing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as Ireland strives to achieve its Climate Action Plan targets. As one of the largest […]