Click here to view profile in a new tab/window

Angela Karp is Scientific Director of the Rothamsted Centre for Bioenergy and Climate Change. Her research focuses on optimising perennial biomass crops (especially willows) for bioenergy and biofuels. Amongst many projects, Dr Karp is responsible for the UK willow breeding programme and also coordinated a RELU-Biomass project on the social, environmental and economic implications of increasing land use under energy crops. She now leads the BSBEC-BioMASS Programme - one of six research hubs comprising the BBSRC Sustainable Bioenergy Centre (http://www.bsbec.bbsrc.ac.uk/). In 2007 she received the RASE Research Medal and, in 2008, the Alfred-Toepfer prize for research achievements in willow.

Principal Investigator

› Ionic liquid biorefining of lignocellulose to sustainable polymers
› Logistics for energy crops′ biomass - LOGISTEC

Project Leader

› Accelerating breeding for biomass yield in short rotation coppice willow by exploiting knowledge of shoot development in Arabidopsis
› Maximising carbon retention in soils
› The BBSRC Sustainable Bioenergy Centre (BSBEC): Perennial Bioenergy Crops Programme

Member

› Integrating carbon systems
› Maximising carbon harvest from perennial crops

Principal Investigator

  A whole-system approach to analysing bioenergy demand and supply: mobilising the long-term potential of bioenergy TSEC-BIOSYS

The specific research objectives are to:
1. Develop an integrated framework and methodology to: (i) analyse the potential evolution of bioenergy demand in the UK, based on policy, industry, end-user and social demand factors, and develop demand scenarios for bioenergy penetration in the short and long-term; (ii) model and analyse the supply options and possible transitions in bioenergy technologies and vectors in the UK, and assess the trade-offs between different bioenergy development pathways.
2. Develop and integrate UK modelling capabilities in relation to: (i) the assessment of spatial and temporal biomass supply potential in the UK, incorporating crop science and management research, GIS-based biomass resource models, environmental impact and land-use economics models; (ii) the analysis of advanced bioenergy technologies and assessment of their development potential, and their relevance and potential benefits to the UK.
3. Develop a sustainability framework that will include local, regional and global considerations, stakeholder and social concerns, and that will inform best practice guidelines, accreditation schemes, regulation, financial and social risk assessment and communication.
4. Assess the relevance of bioenergy to UK energy, environmental and agricultural policy objectives. In particular, assess the greenhouse gas abatement potential of bioenergy chains, their potential contribution to GHG abatement for different final energy demand categories (bioenergy ‘wedges’), and the related GHG abatement costs.
5. Determine technological, industrial, institutional and policy innovation requirements for an ‘optimal’ development of bioenergy.

  Agronomy of reed canary grass and switchgrass

The project will determine if economic production of viable seed of reed canary grass and switchgrass is possible in the UK.
The project involves the planting of a multi-variety seed nursery for each species and monitor crops for pest and disease resistance, record seed yields and the influence of sowing dates sites and seasons. A seed testing protocol will be established to determine seed quality in respect to germination, vigour and other characters.

  Bayesian inference of the genealogy of a predominantly selfing population from multi locus genotype data

The aim of this project is to develop a Bayesian inference programme for making inferences about the genealogy of selfing lines and the outcrossing rate, from multi-locus genotypic data.
The idea behead the Bayesian approach proposed here, is to focus attention on the recent genealogy of the sampled individuals. For every sample of genotypes, there will be many possible genealogies, - some more plausible than others. Multi-locus genotypic data will contain strong information about some aspects of this genealogy (such as the number of recent outcrossing events, and the number of distinct selfing lines), and less information about other aspects (such as the genealogical relationships between individuals belonging to the same selfing line).
The basic approach will be to choose a prior distribution appropriate for the genealogy of a sample from a small predominantly selfing population (recently separated from a larger population), and then use an MCMC (Markov chain Monte Carlo) algorithm to sample the full posterior distribution of all the parameters (and hidden random variables) of the model. In this way, we will be able to compute the marginal posterior distribution of any parameter or hidden random variable of interest.

Objectives:
1. Develop software for making Bayesian inferences about the genealogy of selfing lines and the outcrossing rate, from multi-locus genotypic data.
2. Test the performance of the Bayesian inference programme against simulated data sets.
3. Apply the Bayesian inference programme to real data (microsatellite data from the invasive herbaceous weed, Barren Brome Anisantha sterilis).
4. Evaluate alternative sampling strategies. In particular, compare the effect of genotyping more individuals, versus the effect of scoring more marker loci, on the reliability of the inferences about the outcrossing rate.

  BBSRC Quota Studentship: Are aphids a threat to energy supply? Their interaction with biomass willows

Willow (Salix spp) grown as Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) is one of the main biomass crops in the UK and has been identified as appropriate for the production of biomass energy in the Palearctic and North America due to its potential for rapid growth in temperate climates. It serves as a host for several insect species, many of which are potential pests. The latter includes the giant willow aphid (Tuberolachnus salignus (Gmelin)), which often occurs at high density.
The aims of the current project are first to utilise bioassays to identify variability in the response of aphids to different willow species and cultivars, followed by more detailed studies to determine the basis of these differences, through searching for the volatiles and genes involved in host selection. The implications of these findings will then be interpreted with respect to aphid ecology and control. Population structure of the giant willow aphid (Tuberolachnus salignus), will also be studied for the first time.

Hypotheses to be tested:
1. Aphid behaviour is affected by chemical cues from the host.
2. Differences in host/aphid interactions have a basis in the genetics of the host.
3. Aphid infestation affects biomass yield in field conditions.
4. There are no differences in the genetics of widely separated Tuberolachnus salignus populations because of the aphid's parthenogenetic life style and migratory ability.

  Development and application of models for soil-plant-atmosphere interactions to optimize resource capture and management of low-input systems

The overall aim of this project is to develop and apply models for soil-plant-atmosphere interactions to assess productivity and impacts of new cropping systems under climatic variability (global change). These will operate over different scales and complexities. Particular focus will be on finding low input optima for maximising productivity from perennial bioenergy crops whilst minimising costs and environmental impacts. Concepts established for arable crops are being expanded to biomass crops, e.g. rhizomatous grasses. Initially, emphasis is given to quantifying crop responses to water stress and temperature, and to evaluating different crop growth strategies (evasion, enhanced exploration, recycling of reserves).

The objective is to develop process-based models in perennial bioenergy crops (a) to quantify fluxes of energy, water and matter between the crops and their environment and (b) to describe phenotypic and physiological crop response to different environmental and climatic conditions. Specific objectives are (1) to implement models of sink-source regulation, above-belowground interaction, and morphological and plant architectural development, and (2) to use generic tools of model evaluation (sensitivity, uncertainty analysis) in aid to select phenotypic traits and (3) to simulate scenarios to quantify the crop response for different environments.

  Development of population genetic models and statistical methods for inferring parameters

Genetic diversity provides us with "markers" which can be used to illuminate population processes such as migration, population growth and decline, extinction and recolonisation. We are also interested in the contribution of different genotypes to population growth and decline, and hence adaptation.
Objectives and methods
One aspect of this project is to use state-of-the-art statistical-computational technology to make inferences about population structure and history from genotypic survey data, - where individuals are typed at polymorphic marker loci (AFLPs, microsatellites, SNPs, DNA sequences).
Even the simplest population genetic models have a large number of parameters. (The number of parameters increases with the number of loci which are incorporated.) Bayesian inference procedures offer a way of extracting inferences about individual parameters of interest, even for models with very large numbers of parameters. It is essential to be able to quantify our uncertainty about these parameters. Sometimes, the parameter of interest is complex: for example, the assignment of individuals to source populations. Here too, our uncertainty can be usefully quantified using the Bayesian framework.
The other aspect of this project is to analyse population genetic models of evolutionary processes, including: the response to selection on quantitative traits; the accumulation of deleterious mutations; and the evolution of the mutation rate. These models incorporate selection acting on many loci. Analytic results can indicate what types of data would provide most information about a parameter of interest.

  Fuel specification and matching to conversion processes

Within this project Rothamsted Research is responsible for an investigation of the role of agronomy in determining yield and quality of three perennial grasses (Panicum virgatum, Phalaris arundinacea and Miscanthus x giganteus) grown as bio-fuels. These crops can achieve their yield potential with the addition of fertiliser, but those fertilisers could affect the product quality in a negative way. The concentration of the following elements in the bio-fuel should be minimised to maximise product quality; concentration directly influenced by fertiliser practice; N, K, S and Cl, indirectly influenced by fertiliser practice Na, Ca and Mg and water content.
Rothamsted Research will conduct field experiments to determine the optimal balance between fertiliser application, yield and product quality. The management scenarios under test will be analysed financially and in terms of a carbon budget to ensure that there remains a positive carbon balance between crop production (input) and crop yield (output).
Other academic partners will test material harvested from the RRes field experiments in small-scale combustion, pyrolosis or fermentation apparatus to determine its suitability as a bio-fuel. This work will include co-firing with fossil and other renewable energy sources. Industrial partners will achieve the scale-up to power station firing.

  Governing a trial of the suitability of switchgrass and reed-canary grass as a bio-fuel crop under UK conditions

A recent evaluation of trials at Rothamsted concluded that the most promising energy grasses for use as biofuels in the UK are Miscanthus, switchgrass and reed canary grass. The grasses were found to be comparable in performance to short rotation coppice (SRC). Fuel and ash characteristics showed the three grasses to have similar characteristics to straw and suitable for combustion in a modern combustion plant. In this project switchgrass and reed canary grass will be evaluated at nine locations throughout the UK to establish their yield under various soil and climatic conditions. Miscanthus ,of which more is known, will be used as the benchmark crop at each site.

  Growing energy in the Atlantic Area: opportunities for large scale development

Five genotypes of Miscanthus are being evaluated in a fully replicated and randomised design. This work is additional to an existing project Superglen (project no. 4602)

  Integrated control of fungal diseases in willows and poplars for bioenergy

The main objective of the research is to provide underpinning science for the implementation of an integrated, non-chemical strategy of disease management in UK renewable energy crop production.

As the European Union is legally bound to an 8% reduction of greenhouse gas emission by the year 2010, a large increase of energy from renewable sources is expected. Biomass is one of the most promising sources of renewable energy. It is expected that, in the near future, increasingly large scale energy crop plantations will be established to meet growing demand for energy from renewable sources (MAFF, 2000). Willows (Salix) are the main crop in short rotation coppice (SRC) plantations for renewable energy in the UK. Poplars (Populus) are also grown in trials to evaluate their potential as bioenergy crop. Fungal diseases, especially the rust caused by Melampsora, pose the most serious threat to energy plantations. Rust reduces biomass yields by as much as 40% and predisposes plants to attacks by secondary pathogens which often kill the plants. The real and potential threat of disease is likely to intensify as increasingly large-scale willow plantings are being established. Routine use of fungicide in SRC plantations is not considered to be a viable option to control disease for economic, practical and environmental reasons.

As a low-input crop system, SRC production requires integrated use of host resistance and natural processes, instead of the routine use of fungicides. MAFF project NF0406 (1998-2001) has played a pivotal role in underpinning the science for integrated disease and pest management in SRC and has firmly established the UK’s leading status in the area of SRC plantation disease research. This project succeeds NF0406 and addresses the behaviour of fungal pathogens, genetics and sources of disease resistance in willows, mechanisms of the effects of mixtures on fungal diseases and effective deployment of biological control agents in SRC plantations.

  Integrated non-fungicidal control of Melampsora rusts in renewable energy willow plantations

Rust caused by Melampsora is the most serious problem of willow (Salix), the main crop for renewable energy and important vegetation for conservation. Economic and environmental considerations rule out the use of fungicide for rust control. This project is to develop integrated rust control measures, without inputs of fungicide by addressing population biology and epidemiology of Melampsora, sources and genetics of rust resistance in Salix, function of host mixtures against rust and the potential of using a mycoparasite for biological control. The project will provide measures towards breeding for durable resistance, designing optimum mixtures and deploying the biocontrol agent to suppress rust disease.

Key objectives are:
1. To determine variation, spread and life-cycle in Melampsora in order to assess disease risks in willow.
2. To determine sources and genetic behaviour of rust resistance.
3. To elucidate natural defences of willow mixtures against rust.
4. To determine the potential of deploying the mycoparasite Sphaerellopsis filum for biological control.
5. To recommend measures towards breeding for durable resistance, optimisation of clonal mixtures and effective deployment of the biological control agent.

Both bioassay methods and modern molecular techniques will be used. Morphological examination, alternate-host inoculation, in vitro pathogenicity/resistance tests and field disease assessments will be the main methods to identify rusts and to determine pathogenicity in rust, resistance in willows and biocontrol potential in S. filum. AFLP will be the main means of analysing population structure, patterns of spread and life-cycle in rust and S. filum. Much work will be conducted using field trials since the project deals with natural populations.

  Supergen biomass and bio-energy consortium continuation plus activity on marine biomass

Aim:
To evaluate the options for energy, fuels and chemicals from marine biomass and also evaluate the potential to exploit this resource as determined by the economics and technical performance.

Objectives (Tasks):
1. To select candidates species of marine biomass with potential to contribute significantly to the UK biomass resources, and to compare them to terrestrial sources. (Rothamsted Research and other partners)
2. To investigate the potential to culture the selected candidates for farming (Other partners).
3. To characterise and evaluate the selected biomass for their suitability to thermal and fermentation routes for energy, fuels and chemicals (Other partners).
4. To undertake process and techno-economic assessment of the farming, harvest, storage, transportation and utilisation of marine biomass (All partners contribute to input data).
5. To undertake public acceptability and life Cycle analysis – examination of sustainability and environmental issues (Other partners, Supergen Marine Consortium).
6. To evaluate the total biomass availability around the UK (Other partners).

  Supergen Biomass Biofuels and energy crops II core project

Theme 1: Resources (Theme Leader: Rothamsted Research)
This Theme underpins decision making in primary production of energy crop resources with knowledge of production related factors that affect crop quality and suitability for different end uses.
Objectives
1) To identify factors causing variation in crop quality
2) To generate markers to facilitate rapid selection of superior genotypes for energy conversion
3) To determine the potential to alter crop quality by biotechnology.
4) To quantify the affect of agronomy on yield and quality in SRC willow.
5) To investigate the potential of year round energy crop supply.
6) To consider the role of imported biomass and how it should be incorporated into the UK energy supply.

Theme 2: Characterisation and pretreatment (Theme Leader: Leeds)
Objectives
1) To characterise a diverse range of energy crops, residues, wastes and derived fuels in order to assess their potential for energy, fuels and chemicals.
2) To develop novel analytical methods for characterising and studying biomass, its chemical and genetic makeup and its derived products and chemicals, as well as probing and understanding its thermochemical conversion.
3) To examine fuel enhancement and added value through fuel handling and preparation.
4) Together with results from Themes 1, 3 and 4, to deliver assessment criteria for the production and selection, and where appropriate, pre-processing of biomass resources.

Themes 3-5: Thermo-chemical conversion processes
(low level of RRes input)

Theme 6: System analysis (Theme Leader: Manchester)
This theme aims to facilitate an informed answer to the question: “What is the best use of our limited biomass resource?”

Theme 7: Dissemination and collaboration (Theme Leader: Aston)
The objective of this theme is to provide and disseminate information on the activities of the Consortium and bioenergy news generally to support the bioenergy research community and industry.

  The dynamic nature of introgressive hybridisation in natural and introduced polyploid plants from agricultural and riparian landscapes: An evaluation of molecular tools in willows

Molecular marker techniques will be used to determine the genetic identity of introgressed populations of polyploid plants. Each EU partner will use a different technique: AFLPs, RAPDs and enzyme consensus primers, nuclear SSRs, cpDNA and mtDNA sequence analyses and cpSSRs. Salix (willow) species and hybrids at a European scale will be used as the model plants. There are three major activities: (i) the application (and further development) of molecular techniques on intra- and inter-specific controlled crosses and reference germplasm, constituting the test system (S. alba, S. fragilis and their hybrids); (ii) data analysis and evaluation of each technique in their ability to genotype individuals, reveal hybrid identity and to elucidate polyploid heterozygosity and introgressive hybridisation; (iii) generation of guidelines for restoration objectives of natural and semi-natural willow-dominated areas. Year 1 objectives: DNA extractions and screening of full-sib progenies and reference material from germplasm collections. Forestry Institutes and Breeding Stations (including IACR-Long Ashton) will supply plant material. The major problem to address will be the polyploid nature of the genomes. Year 2 and 3 objectives: an in-depth study of natural hybrid populations along stretches of major European rivers using the most appropriate molecular techniques. A major problem to overcome will be the dynamic nature of the hybrid complex.
At IACR-Long Ashton, an ‘Identikit’ for the identification of S. alba, S. fragilis and their hybrids will be produced. This ‘Identikit’, containing the most informative willow nuclear SSR markers selected from more than 100 that are readily available, will be used to screen the 2000 individuals from controlled crosses, reference germplasm and natural and introduced populations. Multiplex PCR will be developed for high-throughput analyses. Genotypic data will be analysed to assess the ability of the nuclear SSRs to study the test system.

  The hydrological impacts of energy crop production in the UK

A process based water balance model able to estimate the water use for a range of land covers and the full range of climates will be used to estimate the water use of future plantations of energy crops. Some of the parameter values for the model will be measured in established and recently planted energy crops at Rothamsted and Woburn.
The measurements include canopy capacity, stomatal conductance, seasonal changes in leaf area, evaporative fluxes and soil water content.

  Towards targeted breeding of a European SRC willow crop for diverse environments and future climates (BREDNET-SRC)

Genetic improvement programmes in Sweden and the UK have made significant progress in breeding Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) willow. However, to expand production, cultivars suited to a wider range of European environments and future climates will be needed. The project will address this by delivering an understanding of the genetic basis of yield in the context of varied European environments into breeding programmes and provide molecular tools for selection. The research will focus on a Salix viminalis association mapping population generated from the unique germplasm resources held by Rothamsted Research and Swedish partners. After first assessing population structure in the germplasm, suitable material (~400 genotypes) will be planted at seven contrasting sites across Europe and key biomass-related traits will be assessed. Comparative trait data will be used in candidate gene-based association mapping to identify favourable alleles that will be delivered to breeding programmes for the development and deployment of molecular based selection strategies. Focus will be given to traits that are not yet will-studied in national programmes but are of importance, namely achievement of high biomass yield on marginal land and in conditions where water may be limiting. For growth on marginal land, novel microarray studies will be performed to identify candidate genes involved in this trait. To study yield in the context of future climate conditions, candidate genes for drought-related will be selected from our QTL and from the available literature. A similar approach will be taken for phenology traits. A significant component of the research comprises the analysis and transfer of existing research outputs to support this project and the development of willow in partner countries. Furthermore, active knowledge management and stakeholder interaction will ensure delivery into practice and provide an accessible legacy for efficient public research in future.

  Willows and Energy Grass Collection

Short rotation coppice willow is already being grown as an energy crop in parts of the UK but crop breeding has the potential to greatly improve yields, making it economically viable for a much wider range of growers. Rothamsted’s research on bio energy is aimed at helping to bring about these improvements. Central to this work is a unique resource; the National Willows Collection. This is a repository for willow germplasm, set up in the 1920s as a way of conserving varieties which were being lost when rural crafts such as basket and hurdle-making declined. Today it is maintained on the Rothamsted farm and contains around 1,300 accessions. It forms the basic resource for the Defra funded ‘Begin’ programme (Improving short rotation coppice through breeding and genomics) and a significant resource. for the EraNet project (Targeted breeding of a European SRC willow crop for diverse environments and future climates) and the BBSRC Crop Science Initiative project 'Accelerating breeding for biomass yield in short rotation coppice willow by exploiting knowledge of shoot development in Arabidopsis'.

Research on perennial grasses at Rothamsted began in 1992 and has identified two grass species with good potential for biomass production in the UK: Miscanthus and switchgrass, neither of which has any serious pest or disease problems identified yet. Using these grass experiments, research is looking into 2 key areas:

1) How long can a grass stand maintain productivity?
Rothamsted’s long term Miscanthus plots (planted 1993 and 1997) and switchgrass plots (planted 1998) are now some of the oldest in Europe and show annual productivity remaining on the asymptote.

2) What are the changes that occur in the soils beneath such novel crops?
This is being investigated in a new project, 'Assessment of the impact of Bio fuel Crops on the physical distribution of Soil Organic.

Project Leader

  BBSRC Industrial CASE: Carbon and nitrogen recycling in Short Rotation Coppice willow in relation to development and biomass composition

Willows are among the most advanced biomass crops in temperate regions. They can accumulate biomass rapidly due to an effective growth strategy which relies on rapid mobilisation of resources stored over the winter enabling simultaneous development of many shoots from each stool in the spring. As the stems grow larger and their leaves mature, they become independent of reserves and eventually the flux is reversed and resources are exported from the leaves to other parts of the plant. The balance between new growth and recycling is a crucial factor for willow. Studies of different Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) cycles and planting densities have defined the shortest number of years between harvests which enable sufficient root reserves to build up and the highest densities possible for reducing competition between willow stools. However, at present, little is known about how N recycling changes during the SRC cycle and over successive SRC cycles. These are important issues to study since the positive greenhouse gas emission and energy balances from crop to fuel result from the low-input nature of their cultivation and specifically the low use of N. Yield improvement gains thus must be achieved without increasing the requirements for nutrients. The composition of willow stem biomass will also affect the efficiency of energy conversion. This project will address these knowledge gaps by studying N (and to some extent C) in willow in different tissues and at different stages in the SRC cycle and relating this to biomass composition and biofuel productivity. This project will take advantage of existing willow material including the K8 population in which QTL for biomass yield have been mapped. In addition, we will utilise standard material (varieties) in which the same genotype is available at different SRC cycle stages within one year.

  Biodiversity impacts of Miscanthus and short rotation coppice (SRC) willow at a landscape scale

Biomass crops, principally short-rotation coppice (SRC) willow (Salix spp) and Miscanthus grass (Miscanthus x giganteus), are recognised as playing an important role in the UK Government’s commitment to increasing energy security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Land conversion to such crops is predicted to expand significantly. Compared with arable crops, biomass crops typically require low inputs, however, they are perennial and much taller than traditional arable crops, remain in the ground for long periods (up to 25 years) and are harvested in late winter/early spring. These factors have implications for the visual appearance and character of a landscape, for farm and tourist income, and for the hydrology and biodiversity. An ongoing RELU funded project on the social, environmental and ecological implications of increasing rural land use under energy crops aims to develop a sustainability appraisal of conversion of land to biomass crops. Although it provides a comprehensive platform upon which to assess the implications of increasing land use under energy crops not all aspects on biodiversity could be covered. The FarmScale Evaluations (FSE) of genetically modified herbicide tolerant crops showed that management should be optimised to assure the highest biodiversity attainable. For biomass crops, this includes the scales of growing within a landscape, and temporal effects including the crop age, time in the cutting cycle and timing of cutting. This project aims to expand the evidence base on biodiversity by:
(1). Evaluating, modelling and testing predictions for weed and invertebrate biodiversity changes with the scale of planting;
(2). Measuring the dynamics of biodiversity through the succession from previous crops to well established plantations;
(3). Manipulating the time of harvest to identify biodiversity impacts of cutting date;
(4). Evaluating bird use of Miscanthus in relation to scale and changes in vegetation structure.

  Genetic improvement of perennial biomass crops within a sustainable land use context

The main aim of this project is the development of perennial biomass crops as a source of renewable energy within a sustainable land-use context.

Renewable energy sources that are sustainable and carbon neutral are urgently needed to mitigate against greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions arising from the use of fossil fuels and to provide for increased future energy security.

Many crops can be grown to provide feedstock for renewable energy but perennial biomass crops have several important advantages: They are fast growing with the potential for recurrent high yields with low fertiliser and pesticide requirements. They are also non-food crops and life cycle analyses indicate high energy savings and GHG reductions.

This project focuses on energy trees and grasses and particularly on the two main perennial biomass crops grown commercially in the UK: short rotation coppice (SRC) willow (Salix spp.) and Miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus). Although some advances have been made, these crops are still relatively underdeveloped and there is much scope for further improvement. The research in this project integrates genetics, agronomy, pathology, entomology, chemistry, ecology and taxonomy in an endeavour to provide the scientific underpinning for improved yield and sustainable biomass production.

Specific objectives are:

1. To characterise genetic relationships among species and accessions in the National Willow Collection (held at Rothamsted Research).

2. To develop efficient breeding strategies which take into account the genetic characteristics of the germplasm and breeding system of willow.

3. To improve our understanding of the physiological and genetic basis of biomass yield and composition.

4. To understand how yield and composition are affected by inputs and related to the development and phenology of the crop.

5. To underpin crop improvement with studies on insect pests and diseases.

Project involves studentships.

  Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) a pernicious invasive weed: Developing a sustainable strategy for alien invasive plant management in Europe

Alien invasive plants such as Heracleum mantegazzianum are having a severe impact on biodiversity in Europe but no sustainable solutions are available to stop their spread and prevent future invasions. The overall objective of the project is to develop an integrated management strategy that comprises effective, practicable and sustainable means of controlling an alien non-agricultural weed (H. mantegazzianum). This will provide a generic control strategy to safeguard the biodiversity of Europe from the increasingly serious threat of other alien invasives. In addition to the effective control of this species, a concept would be produced which could serve as a template by which other exotic species could be controlled or prevented from reaching the invasive phase.

The project is a collaboration with 10 other European partners. Our part of the project is to determine the taxonomic and genetic relationship of those plants assigned to the species H. mantegazzianum which are found in Europe and in the area of origin, the Caucasus region. In addition, the population genetics of H. mantegazzianum will be investigated using AFLPs and microsatellites to identify variants among morphologically identical species. Genotype data will be used to to identify sources of the invading plant and to distinguish between sources of the invading plant and to distinguish between the different types that can be found in Europe.

  Improving short rotation coppice through breeding and genomics

This project aims to deliver the breeding programme and plant materials for further improvement of willows as an energy crop. A breeding programme that draws from previous and ongoing molecular marker and genetic mapping research will be developed to produce elite genotypes with high yields and resistances. Crossing will make intelligent use of the germplasm within the National Willow Collection. Selection strategies for yield will be improved. Attempts will be made to overcome existing crossing barriers and water-use efficiency and/or are drought tolerance will be explored. The cost-effectiveness of marker-assisted selection (MAS) will be evaluated. Genes with major effects on key agronomic traits will be identified through a genomics-based approach, which exploits recent developments in poplar. We have already identified markers for QTLs conferring rust resistance, susceptibility to invertebrate pests and major components of yield. We will confirm the robustness of these QTLs by comparative assessments at the Long Ashton and Rothamsted sites. We will exploit poplar genomics, to identify candidate genes for development of EST-based markers in willow and map these on the existing K8 willow map to identify those showing co-location with QTL. A BAC library will also be constructed. The locations of QTL known to determine yield in poplar will be compared with willow to determine ‘robust’ SRC yield QTL. From the available ESTs, and from on-going research on gene expression using microarrays, candidates for yield traits will be identified and mapped using a SNPs-based approach. The physical sequence of poplar, (available in 2004/5) will be used, with focus on ESTs of interest from microarrays, to detect candidate genes from blast searches and their physical locality on the poplar genome map will be determined. A large and diverse collection of Populus nigra will be used in a linkage disequilibrium study to confirm candidate-QTL associations for yield.

  Improving short rotation coppice through breeding and genomics (Extension)

This project is a 6 month extension to the Defra sponsored project 'Improving short rotation coppice through breeding and genomics' which aims to deliver the breeding programme and plant materials for further improvement of willows as an energy crop. A breeding programme that draws from previous and ongoing molecular marker and genetic mapping research will be developed to produce elite genotypes with high yields and resistances. Crossing will make intelligent use of the germplasm within the National Willow Collection. Selection strategies for yield will be improved. Attempts will be made to overcome existing crossing barriers and water-use efficiency and/or drought tolerance will be explored. Genes with major effects on key agronomic traits will be identified through a genomics-based approach, which exploits recent developments in poplar. We have already identified markers for QTLs conferring rust resistance, susceptibility to invertebrate pests and major components of yield. We will confirm the robustness of these QTLs by comparative assessments at the Long Ashton and Rothamsted sites. We will exploit poplar genomics, to identify candidate genes for development of EST-based markers in willow and map these on the existing K8 willow map to identify those showing co-location with QTL. A BAC library will also be constructed. The locations of QTL known to determine yield in poplar will be compared with willow to determine ‘robust’ SRC yield QTL. From the available ESTs and from on-going research, candidates for yield traits will be identified and mapped using a SNPs-based approach. The physical sequence of poplar will be used, with focus on ESTs of interest from microarrays, to detect candidate genes from blast searches and their physical locality on the poplar genome map will be determined. A large and diverse collection of Populus nigra will be used in a linkage disequilibrium study to confirm candidate-QTL associations for yield.

  Improving willow breeding efficiency for biomass through the implementation of molecular marker technologies

The aim of this project is to improve willow breeding efficiency through the implementation of molecular marker technologies. These technologies will be used to map and locate genes controlling agronomic traits and to provide markers linked to the traits for marker assisted selection. A first genetic map of willow will be constructed and attempts to identify markers which are linked to the rust resistance genes initiated. Emphasis will be placed on locating and establishing the genetic basis of three main agronomic traits in willow (rust resistance, beetle resistance and yield) and identifying linked markers for more efficient selections. Two work strategies will be pursued: (i) reference crosses will be established for trait assessment using both phenotypic (field assessed) and molecular marker assays (ii) the existing willow map will be enriched to improve density and coverage of markers and poplar markers will be added to the willow map. The establishment of reference families will provide the means for genetic analysis of agronomic traits. Emphasis will be placed on establishing the genetic basis of rust resistance, Chrysomelid beetle resistance and yield. The physiological basis of biomass yield will be studied in selected lines in collaboration with the University of Southampton. These families will also provide a standard resource for studies of various other aspects of willows. The advanced genome mapping of willow and identification of linked markers will aid marker assisted selection and accelerate breeding efforts to achieve higher biomass yield production. Merging of the willow and poplar maps will increase the number of markers available in willow for marker-assisted backcross and introgression selections and increase the chances of finding markers linked to agronomic traits for marker assisted selection.

  Optimising the development of the energy grass Miscanthus through manipulation of flowering time

Biomass from energy crops are an important part of the renewable energy mix. Miscanthus is a perennial grass which combines the fast growth rate of a tropical grass with a tolerance to grow at UK temperatures. It requires little to no fertiliser or herbicide inputs and produces a high yield of biomass every year. However as Miscanthus is a new crop, previous research has been extremely limited. This proposal seeks to start addressing this deficit by investigating the molecular basis of flowering by exploiting knowledge in model organisms such as Arabidopsis thaliana, rice and maize.
The commercially grown variety of Miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus), is a naturally occurring hybrid between two species, M. sacchariflorus and M. sinensis. However flowering appears to be controlled differently in the parental species so that M. sacchariflorus flowers when the daylength is less than 12 hours but M. sinensis flowers when sufficient warm days have been experienced. The hybrid only very rarely flowers under UK conditions and is sterile. In this project we aim to identify the genes most likely to be involved in flowering time in the two parents of Miscanthus x giganteus. Research on model organisms has identified over 40 genes implicated in flowering time and the equivalent genes in Miscanthus will be identified and tested for an equivalent role. This will enable the development of DNA-based molecular markers for flowering which can be used in the UK Miscanthus breeding programme. Use of molecular markers will help with the optimisation and prediction of flowering time in young plants rather than having to wait three years for plants to gain maturity. It will also help in the selection of parent plants for new crosses. The information gained from this project will help to increase biomass yields in Miscanthus more quickly and efficiently.

  Pest population behaviour in relation to the biological chemistry of willows: towards optimisation of non-chemical control

The largest threat to renewable energy production from short rotation coppice (SRC) willows is the propensity for plantations to succumb to pests and diseases. This project aims to provide a firm scientific basis for the use of a non-chemical approach to the control of vertebrate and invertebrate pests of SRC willows. The approach seeks to identify and exploit the interactions between pest herbivores and the biological chemistry of the willow. Depending upon the specific compounds that are present, pest herbivores are either attracted or repelled from feeding on the willow and this may provide the basis of a pest management strategy that is reliant on the willow’s own natural defences and not on the application of pesticides. Such a strategy would be based on the use of different willow varieties which differ in their attractiveness or repulsion to pests. There are parallels between the sensory acuities of insects and mammals, and the strategy could be targeted against pest species of both groups. In the first instance, the work will focus on Phratora vulgatissima (the blue willow beetle) as the invertebrate pest and rabbit as the vertebrate pest. In future projects, the work should be extended to other major pest species of SRC willows. In this project, experiments will be conducted to establish: (i) the identification of the specific biological compounds in the willow host to which beetles and rabbits respond to (2) variation in the willow hosts with respect to these compounds both among varieties and for the same variety in different environmental conditions (i.e. different localities in the UK) and (3) variation in the beetle populations with respect to their genetic composition (assessed using microsatellite markers), overall morphology and feeding preferences. This information is needed before a second phase of the work can be pursued.

  Population genetics of herbicide resistance in grass-weeds

The evolution of herbicide resistance offers exciting opportunities for fundamental research on the origins, selection and spread of adaptive traits in weed populations. This project will build on recent advances in understanding the mechanism of resistance to herbicides inhibiting the enzyme acetylcoenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase) in grass-weeds. It will exploit a combination of bioassays, biochemical assays and molecular approaches to gain further insights into how mutation at the ACCase locus affect the expression and dominance of resistance, and use neutral genetic markers to investigate the 'phylogeny' and dynamics of resistance genes in field populations. Candidate genes for other potentially adaptive traits will also be studied as they become available from genomic studies in grass and other plant genomes.

  Social, Economic and Environmental Implications of Increasing Rural Land Use under Energy Crops

Energy crops, such as short rotation coppice (SRC) willow and Miscanthus, can contribute to UK Government’s commitment to reduce CO₂ emissions. Under policy support, energy crops may cover a greater land area in future. Although some potential impacts of converting land to energy crops have been researched it is not yet clear how to balance decisions based on climate, soil and water availability, against possible impacts on the environment, social acceptance and rural economy. Using the East Midlands and South-West regions as study areas, this interdisciplinary project reviews current knowledge and conducts new state-of-the-art social, economic, hydrological and biodiversity research to develop an integrated scientific framework for Sustainability Appraisal (SA) of the medium and long term conversion of land to energy crops. Implementation of the SA framework will be evaluated and the most appropriate planting scenarios identified. Scientific guidance for updating Best Practice Guides and scientific tools for Environmental Impact Assessments, Strategic Environmental Assessments or SAs involving projects, policies or programmes where increased planting of energy crops is proposed or anticipated, will be provided. Stakeholder involvement is integral in the approach. The results will benefit farmers, energy producers, land planners, regional development agencies, policy makers, environmental agencies and the public.

  UK-Brazil research on second generation biofuels

The project covers costs related to the travel and living expenses of 15 scientists from Embrapa and its partner R&D institutions of the Brazilian National System of Agricultural Research (SNPA). The scientists will spend up to 6 months in a UK institution within the BBSRC Sustainable Bioenergy Centre (BSBEC) but will continue to be employees of their institutions of origin (Embrapa or its partner R&D institutions of the SNPA). In this context, the main activities for this project are:

1. To build and manage a scheme of research collaboration between Brazil and the UK on second generation biofuels research, in particular between BSBEC and Embrapa and its partner R&D institutions of the Brazilian National System of Agricultural Research (SNPA)

2. To recruit and select a team of researchers from Embrapa and its partner R&D Institutions of the Brazilian National System of Agricultural Research (SNPA) to be sent to BSBEC

3. To provide logistic services management for researchers from Brazil

4. To provide support to Brazilian researchers while in the UK

5. To support joint research collaboration

6. To report on the bilateral collaboration

  Use of molecular genetics in understanding population biology of key species in arable systems

In this project molecular genetic and ecological approaches are being used to determine the processes that act upon the genetic diversity and ecological dynamics of plants as components of the agroecosystem. In agriculture, cultivated and natural species exist in a mosaic of fields and fragmented natural or semi-natural habitat. The growth, productivity and quality of products derived from crops are influenced both by the genetic make-up and management of the crop and by the way that the crop interacts with the environment and other species in the agro-ecosystem. Knowledge of the population structure and ecological dynamics of plants is key to sustainable agriculture and conservation of biodiversity.

The programme is targeted at investigating the biodiversity of crops, weeds and other flora of arable land, together (in links with other Programmes) with their important pathogens and pests, at the inter- and intra-population, specific and community levels. Systematic surveys of crop genetic diversity are also being carried out in order to plan the management of genetic diversity as a resource for the production of varieties able to resist the challenges of new pests and pathogens.

The primary objectives are to: (i) gain understanding of biodiversity and population biology of plants of relevance to agriculture in order to better predict how populations may perform, spread or decline under different pressures, such as changes in agricultural practise, land use, or global climate change; (ii) determine the most effective ways of utilising knowledge on diversity and ecological dynamics for improved utilisation and management of crop genetic resources and farmland flora.

Member

  BBSRC SABR Studentship: An integrated bioinformatics approach for identifying genes that influence energy crop architecture

The aim of the project is to create an ONDEX database application and user software that will enable users in the Karp laboratory to explore the evidence linking genes found under a QTL and to prioritise them according to the evidence supporting their potential role in determining architecture and other traits under investigation for the genetic improvement of bioenergy crops.
Relevant databases will be sourced and loaded into the ONDEX data warehouse. Where necessary, software interfaces will be developed to load new datasets. These will naturally include data from energy crop genome information from public data sources as well as the relevant model genomes, plant trait and gene function ontologies and biochemical pathway databases. For willow the model genomes will be poplar and Arabidopsis. For Miscanthus, these will be rice, brachypodium and Arabidopsis. Throughout the project, other potential sources of useful data will be researched and integrated into the data warehouse. The exploitation of comparative genome sequence and genetic map information from within ONDEX will require the development of new software that can exploit synteny, orthology and paralogy between genomes to provide the necessary links between loci. These developments will exploit new features being developed in ONDEX as part of the SABR project that will support measures of uncertainty in the data integration process.

  HGCA studentship: Understanding and combating the threat posed by rye grass (Lolium multiflorum) as a weed of arable crops

This project aims to gain a better understanding of the population dynamics of resistant and susceptible populations of the rye grass Lolium multiflorum so that improved strategies for control of this weed can be devised. Specific objectives are:

1. To quantify aspects of rye-grass agro-ecology that are relevant to its management by cultural and chemical means
2. To determine the impact of herbicide resistance on the dynamics of rye-grass populations in relation to the UK agronomic environment.
3. To integrate studies on agro-ecology and herbicide resistance in order to devise improved prevention and control strategies.

There is a lack of information on many basic aspects of the weed’s agro-ecology in relation to UK cropping systems and how this interacts with cultural and chemical control methods. The project aims to fill this knowledge gap by undertaking studies to characterise the agro-ecology of weed populations together with a characterisation of the nature of the herbicide resistance present.

In the agro-ecology studies, sampled populations will be grown from seed and assessed for three key traits: (a) Seedling emergence patterns; (b) Seed persistence, and (c) Seed dormancy. The nature of herbicide resistance in selected populations will be assessed using enzyme assays and molecular analysis of mutations in target genes. The project will primarily focus on ACCase inhibiting herbicides ('fops'/'dims'), including the relative incidence and severity of different resistance mechanisms (target site and enhanced metabolism). However, resistance to other herbicide classes (e.g. ALS inhibitors) will also be addressed for comparative purposes

  High throughput screening of sequence variation in crop and model plants

The pieces of equipment to be purchased from this grant are three LICORs and a liquid handling robot.
We plan to identify novel variation in genes conferring resistance to plant pathogens in wheat and Arabidopsis. The diploid wheat species, Triticum monococcum, is being developed as a model for pathogen resistance and as a source of novel resistance. An EMS-mutagenised population will be screened by the TILLING technique (Targeting induced local lesions in genomes) for sequence variants in genes for known resistance signalling components. In addition, a collection of 123 Tm accessions will be screened for sequence variation in these key genes and F2 mapping populations will be used to map the R loci between different resistant and susceptible accessions. In Arabidopsis, we propose to use forward genetic screens to identify loci conferring altered resistance to Fusarium infection. These loci will be mapped and defined chromosome intervals will be screened by PCR TILLING to identify the mutations.

The EMS-mutagenised Tm population and accessions will be used to investigate the role of GA metabolism and signalling in key developmental processes in wheat, including performance characters such as stem height and grain expansion. The roles of individual paralogues of GA biosynthetic genes in controlling different aspects of wheat development will be investigated. It is also proposed to extend PCR TILLING to hexaploid bread wheat, targeting highly-expressed homoeologues of individual genes to manipulate GA signalling associated with specific processes.

Molecular markers for willow breeding will be further developed in an endeavour to improve willow varieties for renewable energy. A QTL linkage map for agronomically important traits has been produced and is being enriched to a high level with a variety of molecular markers. In addition, the genetic diversity of 1200 willow accessions will be assessed using molecular marker approaches.

Click here to view publications in a new tab/window

Full publication list

 

 

Karp, A. & Jones, R.N. (1981) Variation in Chiasma distribution in inbred perennial ryegrass. Heredity 47: 152-152.

Karp, A. & Jones, R.N. (1982) Cytogenetics of Lolium perenne. Part 1. Chiasma frequency variation in inbred lines. Theor. Appl. Genet. 62: 177-183.

Karp, A., Nelson, R.S., Thomas, E. & Bright, S.W.J. (1982) Chromosome variation in protoplast-derived potato plants.  Theor. Appl. Genet. 63: 265-272.

Karp, A., Rees, H., Jewell, A.W. (1982) The effects of nucleotype and genotype upon pollen development in Hyacinth and Scilla.  Heredity 48: 251-261.

Karp, A. & Jones, R.N. (1983) Cytogenetics of Lolium perenne. Part 2. Chiasma distribution in inbred lines. Theor. Appl. Genet. 64: 137-145.

Karp, A. & Jones, R.N. (1983) Cytogenetics of Lolium perenne. Part 3. Correlation between chiasmata and U-type exchange. Theor. Appl.Genet. 65: 149-156.

Ooms, G., Karp, A. & Roberts, J. (1983)  From tumour to tuber; tumour cell characteristics and chromosome numbers of crown-gall-derived tetraploid potato plants (Solanum tuberosum cv. Maris Bard). Theor. Appl. Genet. 66: 169-172.

Karp, A. & Maddock, S.E. (1984) Chromosome variation in wheat plants regenerated from cultured immature embryos.  Theor. Appl. Genet. 67: 249-255.

Karp, A., Risiott, R., Jones, M.G.K. & Bright, S.W.J. (1984) Chromosome doubling in monohaploid and dihaploid potatoes by regeneration from cultured leaf explants.  Plant Cell Tissue Organ Culture 3: 363-373.

Burrell, M.M., Twell, D., Karp, A. & Ooms, G. (1985)  Expression of shoot-inducing Ti TL-DNA in differentiated tissues of potato (Solanum tuberosum c.v. Maris Bard).  Plant. Mol. Biol. 5: 213-222.

Cresissen, G.P. & Karp, A. (1985) Karyotypic changes in potato plants regenerated from protoplasts.  Plant Cell Tissue Organ Culture 4: 171-182.

Jones, R.N. & Karp, A. (1985)  ‘Jumping genes in maize.'   J. Agric Science 65: 79-108.

Miflin, B; Jones, M; Ooms, G; Karp, A; Maddock, S; Bright, S. (1985) Novel ways of manipulating plants. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 36 (8): 651-652.

Ooms, G; Bains, A; Burrell, M; Karp, A; Twell, D; Wilcox, E. (1985) Genetic manipulation in cultivars of oilseed rape (Brassica napus) using agrobacterium. Theoretical and Applied Genetics 71 (2): 325-329.

Ooms, G., Karp, A., Burrell, M.M., Twell, D. & Roberts, J. (1985) Genetic modification of potato development using Ri-T-DNA.  Theoretical and Applied Genetics 70: 440-446.

Wheeler, V.A., Evans, N.E., Foulger, D., Webb, K.J. Karp, A. Franklin, J. & Bright, S.W.J. (1985).  Shoot formation from explant cultures of fourteen potato cultivars and studies of the cytology and morphology of regenerated plants.  Ann. Bot. 55: 309-320.

Fish, N. & Karp, A. (1986) Improvements in regeneration from protoplasts of potato and studies on chromosome stability  1.The effect of initial culture media. Theor. Appl. Genet. 72: 405-412.

Nelson, R.S., Karp, A. & Bright, S.W.J. (1986) Ploidy variation in Solanum brevidens plants regenerated from protoplasts using an improved culture system.  J. Exp. Bot. 37: 253-261

Ooms, G., Bossen, M.E., Burrell, M.M. & Karp, A. (1986) Genetic manipulation in potato using Agrobacterium rhizogenes.  Potato Res. 29: 367-379.

Breiman, A., Rotem, D., Karp, A. & Shaskin, H. (1987) Heritable somaclonal variation in wild barley ( Hordeum spontaneum ). Theor. Appl. Genet. 74: 104-112.

Fish, N., Karp, A. & Jones, M.G.K. (1987) Improved isolation of dihaploid Solanum tuberosum protoplasts and the production of somatic hybrids between dihaploid S. tuberosum and S. brevidens.  In: Vitro Cell Devel. Biol. 23: 575-580.

Karp, A., Jones, M.G.K. Ooms, G., Bright, S.W.J. (1987) Potato protoplasts and tissue-culture in crop improvement. Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering Reviews 5: 1-32.

Karp, A., Steele, S.H., Breiman, A., Shewry, P.R.S., Parmar, S. & Jones, M.G.K. (1987)  Minimal variation in barley plants regenerated from cultured immature embryos. Genome 29: 405-412.

Karp, A., Wu, Q.S. & Jones, M.G.K. (1987) Cytology of wheat suspensions and cultured protoplasts.  Annual Wheat Newsletter. 33: pp 102.

Karp, A., Wu, W.S., Steele, S.H. & Jones, M.G.K. (1987) Chromosome variation in dividing protoplasts and cell suspensions of wheat.  Theor. Appl. Genet. 74: 140-146.

Ooms, G., Burrell, M.M., Karp, A. Bevan, M. & Hille, J. (1987) Genetic transformation in two cultivars of potato with T-DNA from disarmed Agrobacterium.  Theor. Appl. Genet. 73: 740-755.

Shewry, P.R. Tatham, A.S., Karp, A. & Jones, M.G.K. (1987) Improvement of the seed protein-quality of barley + wheat by genetic-engineering. Cereal Foods World 32 (9): 674-674.

Bebeli, P., Karp, A., Kaltsikes, P.J. (1988) Plant regeneration from cultured immature embryos of sister lines of rye and triticale differing in their content of heterochromatin 1. Morphogenetic response. Theor. Appl. Genet. 75: 929-936

Karp, A., Wu, Q.S. Steele, S.H. & Jones, M.G.K. (1988) Chromosome variation in dividing protoplasts and cell suspensions of wheat. Annual Wheat Newsletter 34: pp 9.

Lee, B.T., Murdoch, K., Topping, J., De Bothe M.T.J., Wu, Q.S., Karp, A., Steele, S., Symonds, C., Kreis, M. & Jones, M.G.K. (1988) Isolation, culture and morphogenesis from wheat protoplasts and study of expression of DNA constructs by direct gene transfer.  Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture 12: 223-226.

Pehu, E., Potter, R., Karp, A. & Jones, M.G.K. (1988)  Variation in chromosome-number in somatic hybrids of dihaploid potato Solanum tuberosum and Solanum brevidens.  Physiologia Plantarum 73 (2): A22-A22.

Cannell, M., Mulchany M., Karp, A. & Shewry, P.R. (1989)  Chromosomal assignment of characterised cDNA's and genes using RFLP analysis of ditelosomic addition lines. Barley Genet. Newsl. 19: 9-11.

Clark, M., Karp, A. & Archer S.A. (1989) Physical mapping of the B-hordein loci on barley chromosome 5 by in situ hybridisation.  Genome 32: 925-929.

Fish, N., Karp, A. & Jones, M.G.K. (1989)  Production of somatic hybrids by electrofusion in Solanum.   Theor. Appl. Genet. 76: 260-266.

Jones, H., Karp, A. & Jones, M.G.K. (1989) Isolation, culture and regeneration of plants from potato protoplasts.  Plant Cell Reports 8: 307-311.

Karp, A., Jones, M.G.K., Foulger, D., Fish, N. & Bright, S.W.J. (1989) Variability in potato tissue culture.  Amer. Potato J. 66: 669-684.

Pehu, E.P., Karp, A., Moore, K., Steele, S.H., Dunckley, R. & Jones M.G.K. (1989)  Molecular, cytogenetic and morphological characterisation of somatic hybrids of dihaploid Solanum tuberosum and diploid  Solanum brevidens.   Theor. Appl. Genet. 78: 696-704.

Bebeli P., Karp, A. & Kaltsikes, P.J. (1990) Somaclonal variation from cultured immature embryos of rye differing in heterochromatic content.  Genome 33: 177-183.

Karp, A. (1990) Somaclonal Variation in Plants. In: Journal of the Agricultural Society 70: pp 67-83.

Pehu, E.P., Gibson, R.W., Jones M.G.K. & Karp, A. (1990) Studies on the genetic basis of resistance to Potato Leaf Roll Virus, Potato Virus Y and Potato Virus X in Solanum brevidens using somatic hybrids of S. brevidens and S. tuberosum.  Plant Sci. 69: 95-101.

Pehu, E., Thomas, M., Poutala, T., Karp, A. & Jones, M.G.K. (1990)  Species specific sequences in the genus Solanum: identification, characterization and application to study somatic hybrids of S. brevidens and S. tuberosum.  Theor. Appl. Genet. 80: 693-698.

Cannell, A., Karp, A., Isaac, P. & Shewry, P.R. (1991) Chromosomal assignment of genes in barley using telosomic wheat-barley addition lines.  Genome 35: 17-23.

Karp, A., Owen, P., Steele, S.H., Bebeli, P.J., Kaltsikes, P.J. (1992) Variation in telomeric heterochromatin in somaclones of rye.  Genome 35: 590-593.

Bebeli, P.J., Kaltsikes, P.J. & Karp, A. (1993).  Field evaluation of somaclonal variation in rye lines differing in telomeric heterochromatin.   J. Genetics and Breed 47: 15-22.

Blunden, R., Wilkes, T.J., Forster, J.W. Sandery, M.J., Karp, A. & Jones, R.N. (1993) Identification of the E3900 family, a second family of rye B-chromosome specific sequences. Genome 36: 706-711.

Karp, A (1993) Are your plants normal? Somaclonal variation in regenerated and transgenic plants.  Agro Food Industrial Food Hi-Tech. 4: 7-12.

Poulimatka, M. & Karp, A. (1993)  Meiotic disturbances resulting from tissue culture of inbred and outbred rye.  Heredity 71, 138-144.

Winfield, M., Davey, M.R. & Karp, A. (1993) A comparison of chromosome instability in cell suspensions of diploid, tetraploid and hexaploid wheats.  Heredity 70: 187-194.

Xu, Y.S., Jones, M.G.K., Karp, A. & Pehu, E. (1993) Analysis of the mitochondrial DNA of the somatic hybrids of Solanum brevidens and Solanum tuberosum using non-radioactive digoxigenin-labelled probes.   Theor Appl Genet 85: 1017-1022.

Gecheff, K., Georgiev, S., Wilkes, T., Hvarleva, T. & Karp, A. (1994) Cytological and molecular evidence of deletion of ribosomal RNA genes in chromosome 6 of barley (Hordeum vulgare L )  Genome 37: 419-425.

Iingram, D.S. & Karp A. (1994) Biotechnology Foresight and Biodiversity - Time for Stewardship.  Biologist 41: pp 186.

Winfield, M.O., McMaster, T.J., Karp, A & Miles, M.J. (1994) Atomic force microscopy of plant chromosomes. Chromosome Res. 3: 128-131.

Karp, A. (1995) Somaclonal variation as a tool for crop improvement.  Euphytica 85: 295-302.

Karp, A. & Ingram, D.S. (1995) Biotechnology, Biodiversity and Conservation. Bio/technology 13, 522.

Wilkes, T. M., Francki, M.G., Langridge, P., Karp, A., Jones, R.N. & Forster, J.W. (1995) Analysis of rye B-chromosome structure by the use of fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH). Chromosome Res. 3: 466-472.

Winfield, M.O., Karp, A., Lazzeri, P.A. & Davey, M.R. (1995) Instability in chromosome 5D in cell lines of Triticum tauschii and heritable variation in the regenerated plants.  Genome 38: 737-742.

Winfield, M.O., Schmidt, M., Davey, M.R., Lörz, H. & Karp A (1995) Non-random chromosome variation and morphogenic potential in cell lines of breadwheat (Triticum aestivum).  Genome 38: 869-878.

Edwards K.J., Barker A., Daly, A., Jones, C. & Karp, A. (1996) Microsatellite Libraries Enriched for several Microsatellite Sequences in Plants. BioTechniques 20: 758-759.

Hartmann, C., Winfield, M.O., Corre, F., Davey, M.R., Rode, A. & Karp, A. (1996) A comparative study of the mitochondrial genome organization in in vitro cultures of di-, tetra- and hexaploid Triticum species.  Theor. Appl. Genet. 93: 968-974.

Karp, A, Seberg, O. & Buiatti, M. (1996)  Molecular Techniques in the Assessment of Botanical Diversity.  Ann. Botany 78: 143-149.

McMaster, T.J.; Winfield, M.O.; Karp A. & Miles, J. (1996) Analysis of cereal chromosomes by atomic force microscopy.  Genome 39: 439-444.

McMaster, T.J., Winfield, M., Baker, A.A., Karp, A. & Miles, M.J. (1996) Chromosome classification by atomic force microscopy volume measurement.  J. Vac. Sci. Technol. B14: 1-5.

Beismann, H., Barker J.H.A., Karp, A. & Speck, T. (1997) AFLP analysis sheds light on distribution of two Salix species and their hybrid along a natural gradient.  Mol. Ecol. 6: 989-993.

Jones, C.J., Edwards, K.J., Castaglione, S., Winfield, M.O., Sala, F., Van De Wiel, C., Biedemeyer, G., Vosman, B., Matthes, M; Daly, A.; Brettschneider, R., Bettini, P. Buiatti, M.; Maestri, E., Malcevschi, A. Marmiroli, N., Aert, R., Volckaert, G., Rueda, J., Linacero, R., Vazquez, A. & Karp, A (1997)   Reproducibility testing of RAPD, AFLP & SSR markers in plants by a network of European Laboratories.  Mol. Breeding 3: 381-390.

Karp, A., Edwards, K.J., Bruford, M.. Funk, S., Vosman, B., Morgante, M., Seberg, O., Kremer, A., Boursot, P., Arctander, P., Tautz, D. & Hewitt, G.M. (1997) Newer technologies for biodiversity evaluation. Opportunities and challenges.  Nature Biotech.15: 625-628.

Winfield, M.O., Arnold, G.M., Cooper, F., Le Ray, M., White, J., Karp, A. & Edwards, K.J. (1997) A study of genetic diversity in Populus nigra betulifolia in the Upper Severn using AFLP.  Mol. Ecol. 7: 3-10.

Batley, J., Edwards, K.J., Wiltshire, C.W., Glen D.M. & Karp, A. (1998) The isolation and characterisation of microsatellite loci in the willow beetles, Phyllodecta vulgatissima (L.) and P. vitellinae (L.).   Mol. Ecol. 7: 1434 -1436.

Owen, P.G., Pei, M., Karp, A., Royle, D.J. & Edwards, K.J. (1998) The isolation and characterisation of microsatellite loci in the wheat pathogen Mycosphaerella graminicola.  Mol. Ecol. 7: 1611-1612.

Barker, J.H.A., Matthes, M., Arnold, G.M., Edwards, K.J. Åhamn, I., Larsson, S. & Karp, A. (1999)  Characterisation of genetic diversity in potential biomass willows (Salix spp) by RAPD and AFLP analyses.  Genome 42: 173-183.

Rivera, R., Edwards, K.J., Aronld, G.M., Ayad, W.G., Hodgkin, T. & Karp, A (1999)  Isolation and characterisation of polymorphic microsatellites in Cocos nucifera L. Genome 42: 668-675.

Teulat, B., Trehin, R., Aldam, C., Barker, J.H.A. Arnold, G.M., Karp, A., Baudoin L. & Rognon, F. (1999)  An analysis of genetic diversity in coconut (Cocos nucifera) populations from across the geographic range using sequence-tagged microsatellites (SSRs) and AFLPs. Theor. Appl. Genet. 100: 764-771.

Green, J., Edwards, K.J., Usher, S.L., Barker, J.H.A., Marshall, E.P.J., Froud-Williams, R.J. & Karp, A. (2000) Microsatellite markers for the inbreeding grass weed Barren Brome (Anisantha sterilis).  Mol. Ecol. 9: 2155-2234.

Brookes, R.C., Barker, J.H.A., Bohan, D.A., Glen, D.M. & Karp, A. (2001) Microsatellites for the slugs Deroceras reticulatum and Arion intermedius.  Mol. Ecol. Notes 1: 300-302.

Green, J., Barker, J.H.A., Marshall, E.P.J. Froud Williams, R.J. Peters, N.C.B. Arnold, G.M.  Dawson, K. & Karp, A.  (2001)  Microsatellite analysis of the inbreeding grass weed Barren Brome (Anisantha sterilis) reveals genetic diversity at the within- and between-farm scales.  Mol. Ecol. 10: 1035-1045.

Green, J. M., Batley, J., Peacock, L., Carter, P., Glen, D.M. & Karp, A. (2001) The molecular ecology of willow beetles (Phyllodecta spp.). Antennae 25: 254-257.

Matthes, M., Singh, R., Cheah, S-C. & Karp, A. (2001) Variation in oil palm (Eleais guineensis Jacq.) Tissue culture-derived regenerants revealed by AFLPs with methylation-sensitive enzymes.  Theor. Appl. Genet. 102: 971-979.

Danquah, E.Y., Hanley, S.J., Brookes, R.C., Aldam, C. & Karp, A. (2002) Isolation and characterisation of microsatellites in Echinochloa (L.) Beauv spp.  Mol. Ecol. Notes 2: 54-56.

Danquah, E.Y., Johnson, D.E., Riches, C., Arnold, G.M. & Karp, A. (2002) AFLPs and microsatellites reveal genetic diversity in Echinochloa (L). Beauv. spp. collected from different geographic origins and within rice fields at one locality.  Weed Research 42, 394-405.

Gilbert (nee Stoker) K.G., Garton, S., Karam, M.A., Arnold, G.M.,  Karp, A., Edwards, K.J., Cooke D.T.&  Barker J.H.A. (2002)  A High Degree of Genetic Diversity is Revealed in Isatis spp. (dyers woad) by Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) Theor. Appl. Genet. 104: 1150-1156.

Hanley, S.J Barker J.H.A., Aldam, C., Harris, S., Åhman, I., Larsson, S. & Karp, A. (2002) A genetic linkage map of willow (Salix viminalis x S. viminalis) based on AFLP and microsatellite markers. Theor. Appl. Genet. 105: 1087-1096.

Barker J.H.A., Pahlich, A., Trybush, S., Edwards, K.J. & Karp, A. (2003) Microsatellite markers for diverse Salix species.  Molecular Ecology Notes 3: 4-6.

Peacock, L., Carter, P. & Karp, A. (2003) Geographic variation in phenotypic traits in Phratora spp. and the effects of conditioning on feeding preference. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, 109: 31-37.

Robinson, K.M., Karp, A. & Taylor, G. (2003) Defining leaf and canopy traits linked to high yield in short rotation coppice willow. Biomass and Bioenergy. 26: 417-431.

Batley, J., Edwards K.J., Barker, J.H.A., Dawson, K., Wiltshire, C.W., Glen, D.M. & Karp, A. (2004) Molecular genetics of the beetle pests Phyllodecta vulgatissima and P. vitellinae on UK willow plantations. Insect Molecular Biology, 13: 413-421.

Peacock, L., Batley, J., Dungait, J., Barker, J.H.A., Powers, S. & Karp, A. (2004) A comparative study of interspecies mating of Phratora vulgatissima and P. vitellinae using behavioural tests and molecular markers. Ecological Entomology, 110 (3): 231-241.

Clark, J.S.C., Dani, M., Halford, N.G. & Karp A. (2005) Evidence of diversity within the SnRK1b gene family of Hordeum species.  Genome 48: 1-13.

White, G.M., Moss, S.R. & Karp, A. (2005) The molecular basis of resistance to the cyclohexanedione herbicide sethoxydim in Lolium multiflorum Lam.  Weed Research

Hanley, S.J., Mallott, M.D. & Karp A (2006) Alignment of a Salix linkage map to the Populus genomic sequence reveals macrosynteny between willow and poplar genomes. Tree Genetics and Genomes 3: 35-48.

Trybush, S., Kang-Hyun, C., Hanley, S.J., Jahodová, S., Grimmer, M., Bayon, C., Emelianov, I. &, Karp, A. (2006) Getting the most out of fluorescent AFLPs. Can. J. Bot. 84 (8): 1347-354.

Grimmer, M.K., Trybush, S., Hanley, S., Karp, A. & Asher M.J.C.  (2007) A paternal anchored linkage map for sugar beet and mapping of a new source of resistance to beet necrotic yellow vein virus.  Theor. Appl Genet 114: 1151-1160.

Jahodová, S., Trybush, S., Pysek, P., Wade, M. & Karp A. (2007) Amplified fragment length polymorphism reveals three tall invasive species of Heracleum in Europe.  J. Biogeog. Div. Distr. (2007) 13: 99-114.

Kuzovkina, Y.A., Weih, M., Abalos Romero, M., Charles. J., Hurst, S., McIvor, I., Karp, A., Trybush, S., Labrecque, M., Teodorescu, T.I., Singh, N.B., Smart, L.B. & Volk, T.A. (2008) Salix: Botany and Global Horticulture.  Horticultural Reviews 34: 447-489.

Trybush, S; Jahodova, S; Macalpine, W; Karp A (2008) Genetic studies of  a germplasm resource reveal new insights into relationships among Salix subgenera, sections and species. BioEnergy Research 1: 67-79

Karp, A; Shield, I. (2008) Bioenergy from plants and the sustainable yield challenge. New Phytologist Tansley Review 179: 15-32

Shield, I; Macalpine W, Karp A. (2008) The effect of the size of the cuttings planted on the subsequent performance of 3 contrasting willow cultivars for short rotation coppice. Aspects of Applied Biology 90: 225-231

Macalpine, W; Shield, I; Trybush, S; Hayes C and Karp, A. (2008) Overcoming barriers to crossing in willow (Salix spp.) breeding. Aspects of Applied Biology 90: 173-180

Haughton, A.J. ; Bond A.J., Lovett A.A.; Dockerty T.;  Sünnenberg G, Clark S.J.,  Bohan D.A, Sage, R.B., Mallott M.D., Mallott V.E., Cunningham M.D, Riche A.B., Shield I.F.; Finch, J.W.; Turner, M.M.; Karp, A. (2009). A novel, integrated approach to assessing social, economic and environmental implications of changing rural land-use:   a case study of perennial biomass crops. Journal of Applied Ecology 46: 323-333

Lovett AA; Sünnenberg GM; Richter GM; Dailey AG; Riche AB and Karp A. (2009) Land use implications of increased biomass production identified by GIS-based suitability and yield mapping for Miscanthus in England. Bioenergy Research 2: 17-28

Bayon, C.; Pei, M; Ruiz, C;  Hunter, T; Karp, A; Tubby, I  (2010) Genetic structure and population dynamics of a heteroecious plant pathogen Melampsora larici-epitea in short-rotation coppice willow plantations". Molecular Ecology 18: 3006-3019.

King RA, Harris SL, Karp A and Barker JHA (2010) Characterisation and inheritance of nuclear microsatellite loci for use in population studies of the allotetraploid Salix alba-S. fragilis complex. Tree Genetics and Genomes 6: 247-258

Brereton, N.J., Pitre, F.E. Hanley, S.J., Ray, M., Karp, A. and Murphy, R.J. (2010) Mapping of Enzymatic Saccharification in Short Rotation Coppice Willow and Its Independence from Biomass Yield. Bioenergy Research 3: 251-261

Sage, R., Cunningham, M., Mallott, M., Haughton, A., Bohan, D., Riche, A., Karp, (2010) A. Birds in Miscanthus fields in SW England in summer and winter compared to arable grass and short rotation coppice willow and effects of crop structure. Ibis 152: 487-499

Pitre FE, Brereton, NJB, Audoire S, Richter GM, Shield I, Karp A (2010) Estimating root biomass in Salix viminalis x Salix schwerinii cultivar "Olof" using the electrical capacitance method. Plant Biosystems 144: 479-483

Pei, M.H., Ruiz, C., Shield, I., Macalpine, W., Lindegaard, K. Karp, A. (2010) Mendelian inheritance of rust resistance in hybrids between Salix sachalinensis and S. viminalis to Melampsora larici-epitea. Plant Pathology 59, 862–872

Bond, A, T Dockerty, A Lovett, A B Riche, A J Haughton, D A Bohan, R B Sage, I F Shield, J W Finch, M M Turner, Karp A (2010), "Learning how to deal with values, frames and governance in Sustainability Appraisal" Regional Studies. DOI: 10.1080/00343404.2010.485181

Karp, A. Hanley, S.J., Trybush, S.O.T., Macalpine, W., Pei, M., Shield I. (2011) Genetic improvement of willow for bioenergy and biofuels J. Integrative Plant Biology 53 (2) 151-165

Hanley S.J., Pei, M.,Powers, S.J., Ruiz, C., Mallott, M.D., Barker, J.H.A., Karp, A. (2011) Genetic mapping of rust resistance loci in biomass willow Tree Genetics and Genomes DOI: 10.1007/s11295-010-0359-x

Karp, A., Richter, G.M. (2011) Meeting the challenge of food and energy security. J.Experimental Botany.62: 3263-3271

Brereton, N.J.B., Pitre, F.E., Ray, M.J.,  Karp, A and Murphy, R.J. (2011) Investigation of Tension Wood Formation and 2, 6-dichlorbenzonitrile Application in SRC Willow Composition and Enzymatic Saccharification.  Biotechnology for Biofuels 4: 13. doi: 10.1186/1754-6834-4-13

Aradottir,G.I.. Hanley, S.J., Collins, C.M., Dawson, K.J., Karp, A., Leather, S.R., Shield,  I., Harrington, R.  (2011) Population genetics of Tuberolachnus salignus, an obligate parthenogenetic aphid. Agricultural & Forest Entomology (In Press).

Books

 

Jones, R.N. & Karp, A. (1986) ‘Introducing Genetics’ John Murray. London.

Karp, A., Isaac, P.G. & Ingram, D.S. (1998)  ‘Molecular Tools for Screening Biodiversity: Plants and Animals’ Chapman & Hall, London.

Jones R.N., Karp A. & Giddings D.G. (2001) ‘The Essentials of Genetics’ John Murray. London

Halford N, G. & Karp, A. Energy Crops. RSC Energy and Environment Series. RSC Publishing.

 

c1) Invited reviews \chapters in books 

 

Karp, A. & Bright, S.W.J. (1985) On the causes and origins of somaclonal variation. In: Oxford Surveys of Plant Molecular and Cell Biology. Vol. 2. (ed, B.J. Miflin) pp 199-234.

Bright, S.W.J., Ooms, G., Foulger, D., Karp. & Evans, N. (1986) Mutation and tissue culture. In: Plant Tissue Culture and it's Agricultural Applications (eds, L.A. Withers, P.G. Anderson) Butterworths, Kent  pp 431-449.

Jones, M.G.K., Karp, A. (1986) Plant tissue culture technology and crop improvement. In: Advances in Biotechnological processes. Vol. 5, pp 91- 121.

Karp, A., Jones, M.G.K., Ooms, G. & Bricht, S.W.J. (1986) Potato protoplasts and tissue culture in crop improvement. In: Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering Reviews. Vol. 5 (ed, G.E. Russell) Intercept pp 1-32.

Karp, A. (1989) Can genetic instability be controlled in plant tissue cultures?. IAPTC Newsletter. No. 58,  pp 2-11.

Karp, A. (1990) Somaclonal variation in potato. In: Biotechnology in Agriculture and Forestry (ed, Y.P.S. Bajaj). Sringer-Verlag. Berlin  pp 379-399.

Karp, A., Wu, W.S., Maddock, S.E. & Jones, M.G.K. (1990) Chromosome instability in bread-wheat (Triticum aestivum) cell suspensions and their dividing protoplasts. In: Biotechnology in Agriculture and Forestry (ed, Y.P.S. Bajaj) Springer-Verlag, Berlin pp 481-493.

Karp, A. (1991) Cytological techniques. In: Plant Tissue Culture Manual. (ed, K. Lindsey) Kluwer Academic Press pp 1-13.

Karp, A. (1991) On the current understanding of somaclonal variation. In: Oxford Surveys of Plant Molecular and Cell Biology (ed., B.J. Miflin) Oxford University Press. Vol. 7,  pp 1-58.

Karp, A. & Lazzeri, P.A. (1991) Regeneration, stability and transformation of barley. In: Barley: Genetics, Biochemistry, molecular Biology and Biotechnology (ed, P.R Shewry) CAB International Press pp 549-571.

Karp, A. (1992)  The role of growth regulators in somaclonal variation. British Society for Plant Growth Regulation.  Annual Bulletin No 2. May 1992  pp 1-9.

Karp, A. (1993) Labelling of double stranded probes with biotin. Humana Press, Totowa, New Jersey (ed. P.J. Isaac) pp 149-152.

Karp, A. (1993) Preparation of chromosome spreads by root-tip meristem dissection for in situ hybridisation with biotin-labelled probes. Humana Press, Totowa, New Jersey (ed P.J. Isaac) pp 83-88.

Karp, A. (1993) Use of biotin labelled probes on plant chromosomes. Humana Press, Totowa, New Jersey (ed., P.J. Isaac) pp 161-166.

Karp, A. (1995)  Somaclonal variation as a tool for crop improvement.  In: The Methodology of Plant Genetic Manipulation: Criteria for Decision Making. (eds. Cassels, A.C.; Jones, P.W.) Kluwer Academic Publishers (Dordrecht/ Boston/London).

Karp, A. & Edwards, K.J. (1997) DNA Markers - A Global Overview. In: DNA Markers: Protocols, Applications and Overviews. (eds Caetano-Anolles G., Gresshoff PM.) J. Wiley and Sons. NY. USA  pp 1-13.

Karp, A., Kresovich, S., Bhat, K.V., Ayad, W.G. & Hodgkin, T. (1997) Molecular Tools in plant genetic resources conservation: a guide to the technologies. IPGRI Technical Bulletin No.2.

Karp, A. & Peacock, L. (2004) The ecology and population genetics of the blue and brassy willow beetles (Phyllodecta (= Phratora) vulgatissima L.) and P. vitellinae on United Kingdom willow (Salix) plantations. In: New Developments in the Biology of Chrysomelidae  pp 97-104.

Karp A,  Haughton AJ, Bohan DA, Lovett A; Bond AJ, Dockerty T, Sünnenberg G, Finch JW,  Sage RB, Appleton KJ, Riche AB, Mallott MD,  Mallott VE, Cunningham MD, Clark S and Turner MM.  Chapter 4: Perennial Energy Crops: Implications and Potential. In : What is Land For? The Food, Fuel and Climate Change Debate (Ed Michael Winter and Matt Lobley) Earthscan, London UK

Karp A,  Halrford N.G. Energy Crops: Introduction. In Energy Crops. (Halford N, G. & Karp, A  eds)/ RSC Energy and Environment Series. RSC Publishing

 

 

c2) Chapters in conference proceedings

 

Bright, S.W.J., Nelson, R.S., Karp, A., Jarrett, V.A., Creissen, G.P. Ooms, G., Miflin, B.J. & Thomas, E. (1982) Variation in culture-derived potato plants. In: Proc. 5th Intl. Cong. Plant Tissue and Cell Cultures. Tokyo  pp 413-414.

Jones, M.G.K., Maddock, S.E., Karp, A., Nelson, R.S. Creissen, G.P. Foulger, D. & Bright, S.W.J. (1984)  Tissue and protoplast culture- a novel way to new crop varieties. In: The World Biotechnology Report 1984 Vol. 1. Europe Online Publications Ltd. pp 443-454.

Bright, S.W.J., Ooms, G., Karp, A., Foulger, D., Fish, N., Jones, M.G.K. & Evans, N.E. (1985) In: Genetic Manipulation in Crop Plants (eds, M.W. Swaminathan, H. Hu, Q.Q. Shaoi). Chinese Agriculture and Science Technology Press. Beijing. pp781-881.

Famaeler, Y., Cammaerts, D., Karp, A., Sidorov, V., De-Brouwer, D., Negrutiu, I. & Jacobs, M. (1986)  Cellular engineering by gamma fusion and egg transformation. Recent Experimental data and applications in plant breeding. In: Nuclear Techniques and in vitro culture for plant improvement. IAEA Vienna.  pp 453-461.

Famaeler, Y., Karp, A., Sidorov, V., Negrutiu, I., Cammaerts, D. & Jacobs, M. (1986) Cellular engineering by means of gamma fusion: Genetic variation in fusion products. In: Somaclonal Variation in Crop Improvement (ed, J. Semal) Gembloux. pp 260-263.

Karp, A. (1986) Chromosome variation in plants regenerated from protoplasts and cultured plant tissues. In: Somaclonal Variation in Crop Improvement (ed, J. Semal) Gembloux. pp 28-35.

Karp, A. (1986) Chromosome variation in regenerated plants. In: Genetic Manipulation in Plant Breeding (eds, W. Horn, C.J. Jensen, W. Odenbach, O. Schieder. Walter de Gruyter & Co., Berlin. pp 547-554.

Ooms, G., Burrell, M.M., Karp, A., Twell, D. & Roberts, J. (1986) Genetic manipulation in potato. In: Genetic Manipulation in Plant Breeding. (Eds, W.H. Horn, C.J. Jensen, W. Odenbach & O. Schieder. Walter de Gruyter & Co. Berlin  pp 823-825.

Karp, A. & Shewry, P.R. (1987) Cell and molecular biology: What do they have in store for the grain trade? In: Proc. Int. Grain Forum. Amsterdam. pp 129-148.

Jones, M.G.K., Karp, A., Jones, H., Cooper-Bland, S., Lindsey, K., Wu, Q.S. Lee, B.T. de Both, M.T. J. & Fish, N. (1987) Electrofusion and electroporation of crop plant protoplasts. In: Genetic and Cellular Engineering of Plants and Microorganisms important in Agriculture. Abstracts CEC Meeting of Biotechnology Action Programme, Louvain, 1987. Eds D. de Nettancourt & E. Magnien. Louvain : CEC pp 97-98.

Karp, A. (1988) The origins and causes of chromosome instability in plant tissue culture and regeneration.  In: Kew Chromosome Conference III (ed, PE Brandham). HMSO, London pp 185-192.

 

Bebeli, P., Karp, A. & Kaltsikes, P.J. (1989) Morphogenetic response of isogenic lines of Triticale differing in their content of hetero-chromatin. In: Proc. 7th Int. Wheat Symp. Vol. 1 (eds T.E. Miller, R.M.D. Koebner) IPRS Cambridge  pp 711-714.

Bebeli, P., Karp, A. & Kaltsikes, P.J. (1989) Morphogenetic response of sister lines of rye differing in their content of heterochromatin. In Proc. 7th Int. Wheat Genetics Symp. Vol. 1 (eds, T.E. Miller, R.M.D. Koebner) IPRS Cambridge pp 715-718.

Jones, M.J.K., Duncley, R., Steele, S.H., Karp, A., Gibson, R., Fish, N., Valkonen, J., Poutala, T. & Pehu, E. (1990) Transfer of resistance to PLRV, PVX and PVY from S. brevidens to potato by somatic hybridisation: Characterisation and field evaluation. In; Progress in Plant Cellular and Molecular Biology (eds, H.J.J. Nijkamp, L.H.W. Van der Plas, J. Van Aartrijk). Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, Boston, London  pp 286-292.

Gibson, R.W., Valkonen, J., Pehu, E., Jones, M.G.K. & Karp, A. (1992) Broad spectrum virus resistance in Solanum brevidens and its introduction by protoplast fusion to cultivated potato. In: Biotechnology: Enhancing Research on Tropical Crops in Africa. (eds, Thottappilly, G.,Monti, L.M., Mohan Raj, D.R., Moore, A.W.) CTA, IITA 305-306.

Karp, A. & Edwards, K.J. (1996) Molecular techniques and Biodiversity Evaluation. In: Proceedings of the National Congress of Genetics, Kuala Lumpar. Malaysia November 13-15th.

Karp, A. & Edwards, K.J. (1996) Molecular techniques in the analysis of the extent and distribution of diversity.  In: Molecular genetic techniques for plant genetic resources. Report of an IPGRI workshop, 9-11 October, 1995,  Rome, Italy.

Karp, A (1999) Biodiversity in Agricultural systems: New challenges for genome diversity studies. In Genomes: Proceedings of the 22nd Stadler Genetics Symposium (ed. JP Gustafson) Plenum Press, New York, USA  pp 99-108.

Karp, A. (1999) The use of polymorphic microsatellites for assessing genetic diversity in coconut. In: Current Advances in Coconut Biotechnology. Kluwer. Academic Press. (Dordrecht) pp 121-130.

Karp, A. (2002) The New Genetic Era: Will it help us in managing plant genetic diversity? In: Managing Plant Genetic Diversity (ed Engels JMM, Ramanatha Rao V, Brown AHD, Jackson MT). CABI  pp 43-56.

 

d) Other publications

 

d1) Abstracts in conference proceedings

 

Karp, A. (1982) Chromosome variation in regenerated potato plants. In: Kew Chromosome Conference II. (eds, P.E. Brandham; Bennet, M.D.) George Allen & Unwin Ltd. pp 351.

Jones, M.G.K., Bright, S.W.J., Nelson, R.S., Foulger, D., Creissen, G.P., Karp, A. & Ooms, G. (1983) Variation in plants regenerated from protoplasts and complex explants of potato. Experentia Supplementum 45: 150-151.

Jones, R.N. & Karp, A.  (1983) Genetic control of chiasma distribution of Lolium perenne. In: Proc. IVth International Congress of Genetics, New Delhi. pp 665.

Nelson, R.S. Karp, A., Creissen, G.P. & Bright S.W.J. (1983) Plants regenerated from isolated protoplasts of Solanum brevidens.  Experientia Supplementum 45: 68-69.

Bright, S.W.J., Foulger, D., Evans, N.E., Karp, A., Nelson, R.S., Creissen G.P. & Jones, M.G.K. (1984) Potato plants regenerated from protoplasts and explants: nature and application of variation. In: The Genetic Manipulation of plants and it's application to agriculture (eds, P.J. Lea, G.R. Stewart, Oxford. Oxford University Press.  pp 265.

 

Bright, S.W.J., Jones, M.G.K., Ooms, G., Maddock, S., Karp, A., Foulger, D. & Miflin, B.J. (1986) Biotechnology's potential for crop improvement. In: Biotechnology's potential for increasing crop production efficiency. National Agricultural Conference, Stoneleigh.

Foulger, D., Fish, N., Karp, A., Bains, A., Cooper-Bland, S., Bright, S.W.J. & Jones, M.G.K. (1986) Protoplast fusion of Solanum species. In : Proceedings 6th International Congress Plant Tissue Culture, Minneapolis, 1986. Eds D.A. Somers et al. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota\International Association for Plant Tissue Culture. p 420.

Lee, B.T. Murdoch, K., Topping, J., de Both, M.T. J., Wu, Q.S. Karp, A., Steele, Symonds, C., Kreis, M. & Jones, M.G.K. (1987) Isolation, culture and morphogenesis from wheat protoplasts and study of expression of DNA constructs by direct gene transfer. In: Proceedings 7th International Protoplast Symposium, Wageningen, 1987 p 24.

Ooms, G., Risiott, R., Karp, A. & Phelpstead, J. (1988) Transformation in potato. Abstracts 2nd International Congress Plant Molecular Biology, Jerusalem, p 588.

Pehu, E., Clark, M., Karp, A. & Jones, M.G.K. (1988) Molecular characterisation of somatic hybrids of Solanum tuberosum and S. brevidens. Abstracts 2nd International Congress Plant Molecular Biology, Jerusalem, p 432.

Pehu, E., Karp, A. & Jones, M.G.K. (1988) Chromosome number and parental nuclear and chloroplast DNA contributions in somatic hybrids of dihaploid S. tuberosum and S. brevidens. Abstracts Eucarpia Meeting on Genetic Manipulation in Plant Breeding, Elsinore, Denmark, p 111.

Pehu, E., Potter, R., Karp, A. & Jones, M.G.K. (1988) Variation in chromosome number in somatic hybrids of diploid potato (Solanum tuberosum and S. brevidens). Proceedings 15th congress of the Scandinavian Society of Plant Physiology, Turku, Finland, p 22A.

Jones, M.G.K., Dunckley, R., Steele, S., Pehu, E., Karp, A. & Gibson, R.W. (1989) Improving potatoes. Proceedings of the International Biological Conference Leicester, 1989  p 7.

Pehu, E., Gibson, R.W. Karp, A. &, Jones, M.G.K (1989) Cytogenetical analysis of parental genome instabilities in somatic hybrids of Solanum tuberosum and S. brevidens using species-specific probes. In: Proceedings of the 1st International Symposium on the molecular Biology of the potato, Maine,  Abstract  p 38.

Pehu, E., Karp, A., Gibson, R.W. Thomas, M., Malone, R. & Jones, M.G.K. (1989) Identification and characterisation of Solanum brevidens and S. tuberosum specific DNA sequences and their use in a somatic hybridisation programme. In: Proceedings of the 1st International Symposium on the Molecular Biology of the Potato.  Maine. Abstract  p 67.

Jones, M.G.K., Jones, H., Dunckley, R., Karp, A. & Pehu, E. (1990) The application of protoplast technology to potato improvement. In: European Association of Potato Research Meeting, Edinburgh, 1990. Abstract 96.

Pehu, E., Karp, A., Thomas, M., Clark, M. & Jones, M.G.K. (1990) Cytogenetical analysis of parental genome stabilities in somatic hybrids of Solanum tuberosum and S. brevidens using species-specific probes. Proceedings of the 10th International Chromosome Symposium, Uppsala 1989, Abstract  p 103.

Pehu, E., Malone, R., Karp, A. & Jones, M.G.K. (1990) Application of linkage group specific RFLPs to study assymetric hybrids of  S. tuberosum and S. brevidens. In: European Association of Potato Research meeting, Edinburgh, Abstract  p 13.

 Cannell, M., Karp, A., Shewry, P.R. & Isaac, P. (1991) Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis in barley and assignment of characterised probes to chromosome arms. In: Barley Genetics VI. Proc 6th Intl. Barley Genet Symp. (Helsingborg,  Sweden).

Bebeli, P.J., Kaltsikes, P.J. & Karp, A. (1992) Somaclonal variation for agronomic traits in near isogenic lines of triticale differing in telomeric heterochromatin. Proc. Symp. New Genetical Approaches to Crop Improvement. Karachi.

Bebeli, P.J., Karp, A. & Kaltsikes, P.J. (1992) Somaclonal variation in sister lines of rye differing in telomeric heterochromatin. Proc. Symp. New Genetical Approaches to Crop Improvement. Karachi.

 Barker, J.H.A., Edwards, K.J. & Karp, A. (1996) Molecular techniques and genetic diversity in willow.  Conference abstract from the 16th annual meeting for the Tree Biotechnology Group, University of Bath, April 1996.

Barker, J.H.A., Pahlich, A., Edwards, K.J. & Karp, A. (1997) Studies on the genetic diversity of Salix spp. Journal of Experimental Botany, 48, Supplement, SEB Meeting, Book of Abstracts, p 93.

Beismann, H., Barker, J.H.A., Karp, A. & Speck, T. (1997) Genetic variation of three Salix taxa measured with AFLP technique along an ecological gradient and the effect of their biomechanical properties on dispersal. Conference abstract from the 10th meeting on Plant Population Biology of the GFO (Gesellschaft fur Okologie), University of Zurich,  May 1997.

Beismann, H., Barker, J.H.A., Karp, A. & Speck, T. (1997) Genetic variation of three Salix taxa measured with AFLP technique along an ecological gradient and the effect of their biomechanical properties on dispersal. Journal of Experimental Botany, 48, Supplement, SEB Meeting, Book of Abstracts,  p  91.

Barker, J.H.A., Lindegaard, K.N., Arnold, G.M., Royle, D.J. & Karp, A. (1998)   Characterisation of genetic diversity in biomass willows (Salix spp) using molecular markers. Conference abstract from the 18th annual meeting for the Tree Biotechnology Group, East Malling,  April 1998.

Arnold, G.M., Barker, J.H.A. & Karp, A. (1999) Some approaches to the analysis of microsatellite (SSR) data. Abstract from the 11th International Statistical Conference of Genstat Users, Poznan, Poland, 18‑21 May 1999.

Batley, J., Barker, J.H.A., Edwards, K.J., Glen, D.M., Wiltshire, C.W. & Karp, A. (1999)  A Study of the Population Ecology of Willow Beetles using Microsatellites. Abstract from EURECO ’99 – 8th European Ecological Congress, Halkidiki, Greece, 18-23 September 1999.

Lindegaard, K.N., Hanley, S.J., Barker, J.H.A. & Karp, A. (1999) Genetic improvement of willows for renewable energy and fibre. Poster abstract from the International Poplar Symposium II, Orleans, France 13-17 September 1999.

Barker, J.H.A., Teulat, B., Lebrun, P. Baudouin. L., Karp, A. & Rognon, F. (2000) Coconut microsatellite markers and their use in genebank organisation and genetic mapping. Abstract from the International Plant & Animal Genome Conference VIII, San Diego, California,USA, January 2000.

Hanley, S.J., Barker, J.H.A., Aldam, C., Lindegaard, K.N., Pei, M.H., Hunter, T. & Karp A. (2000) Improving breeding efficiency of biomass willows using molecular marker technology. Abstract from the International Plant & Animal Genome Conference VIII, San Diego, California, USA,  January 2000.

Riche, A., Karp, A., Pei, M., Shield, I. & Yates, N. (2007) Grass and woody biomass species – agronomic requirements learnt from 15 years field experimentation. International Plant Protection Congress, Glasgow, UK 15-18 Oct 2007.

Richter, G.M, Lovett, A, Sunnenberg, G., Dailey, G., Riche, A. & Karp, A. (2007)  Integration of crop models and constraint mapping for the projection of bioenergy production.  Farming Systems Design 2007 International symposium, Catania, Italy  10-12 Sept 2007.

 

d2) Technical reports (non-confidential)

Karp, A. (1992) Molecular control of genetic variability in regeneration of crop plants.  In: Biotechnology Research for Innovation, Development and Growth in Europe (1990-1993) Progress Report 1992 (ed., A. Vassarotti) pp 154-148.

Karp, A. (1993) Molecular control of genetic variability in regeneration of crop plants.  In: Biotechnology Research for Innovation, Development and Growth in Europe (1990-1993) Progress Report 1993 (ed., A. Vassarotti) pp 187-191.

 

Molecular Screening News Nos 1. August (1993) -19 December (1999).

Karp, A. (1994) Development of rapid novel molecular and cellular tools for screening and evaluation of genetic diversity. (eds Taxis du Poët, P., Vassarotti, A., Baselga, de Elorz, J Vol 1. Abstracts.

Karp, A. (1994) Development of rapid novel molecular and cellular tools for screening and evaluation of genetic diversity. (eds Taxis du Poët, P., Vassarotti, A., Baselga, de Elorz, J Vol 2. Detailed Presentations  pp.  776-790.

Karp, A. (1994) Molecular control of genetic variability in regeneration of crop plants.  In: Biotechnology Research for Innovation, Development and Growth in Europe (1990-1993) Progress Report 1994 (ed., A. Vassarotti).

Karp, A. (1995) Development of rapid novel molecular and cellular tools for the screening and evaluation of genetic diversity of genetic diversity in plants. European Commission Final Report. Biotechnology (ed A. Hoeveler, M. Cresti) (1992-1994) pp 557-563.

Karp, A. (1995) Molecular Genetic Screening Tools. European Commission Final Report. Biotechnology (ed A. Hoeveler, M. Cresti) (1992-1994) pp 543-550.

Ayad, G., Karp, A., Edwards, K.J. & Rivera, R (1998) Determining how molecular methods can best be used to locate maximum genetic diversity for ex situ and in situ conservation through on-site sampling analysis in coconut (Cocos nucifera). In: DFID and the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) : The Competitive Research Facility 1990-1997 (ed., E.J. Warham) pp 107-109.

 

 

 

 

› PhD Supervision: PhD Supervisor Gia Arradottir: BBSRC Quota

2010
› Inivted Speaker; New Phytologist Bioenergy Trees conference
› European Society of Agronomy international conference (Montpellier)
› Food Security international conference (Lancaster Sept 12-14)
› Can Bio international conference and EU mission (Vancouver Sept 26-29)
› • European Science Foundation “Bioenergyâ€� European conference (Dublin Apr 25-27)
› SRC European conference (nr. Hamburg)
› Cheltenham Science Festival (national public conference) (UK Jun 03)

2009
› Spaital Impacts of Biomass: Berlin
› Botanical Congres: Leipzig

2008
› EPSO Biofuels workshop; London (Royal Scociety)
› Global Change Biology: Bioenergy Editor
› Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal
› Alfred Toepfer prize: Alfred Toepfer prize for Agriculture, Forestry and Nature Conservation

2007
› Editor of BioEnergy Research
› RASE Research Medal: Awarded Royal Agricultural Society of England Research medal for energy crop reserach
› PhD Supervisor Nick Brereton: PhD Supervision - Porter Studentship with Imperial College

2006
› PhD Supervisor Rocio Alarcon-Reverte: PhD Supervision - Co-supervisor with Steve Moss (main)

2005
› Renewables Link Committee member

2002
› Subject Editor of Weed Research
› PhD Supervisor Ron Marshall: PhD Supervision - Co-Supervisor with Steve Moss (main)

2001
› Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining editor

25 January 2013	› The wind in the willows
17 November 2011	› Delivering sustainable food security, a new science strategy for Rothamsted Research
2 September 2011	› Renewable energy from Willow: Rothamsted Research develops a scientific collaboration with Ukrainian bio-energy firm
19 November 2010	› BBSRC in line with Government response to European ILUC consultation
16 September 2009	› Perennial energy crops could be good for carbon savings and for wildlife
27 January 2009	› Rothamsted Research to help provide clean, green and sustainable fuels
3 June 2008	› Rothamsted wins gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show
22 June 2007	› Dr Angela Karp awarded the 2007 Royal Agricultural Society of England Research Medal
10 March 2006	› Energy crops running out of steam?
11 October 2005	› Science on the footpaths of the Rothamsted Estate
External News
25 January 2013	› Willow can boost biofuels' green credentials (BBC News)
26 April 2012	› Do biofuels have a sustainable future? (Responding to Climate Change)
3 February 2012	› New report says biofuels will add £100bn to fuel bills (Responding to Climate Change)
6 January 2012	› Cultivating collaboration: AGRI-net examines food, fibre and fuel requirements of an ever-increasing population (Royal Society of Chemistry)
25 November 2011	› Rothamsted’s statement of intent (National Farmers Union)
24 November 2011	› New strategy focuses on sustainable productivity (Farmers Guardian)
17 February 2010	› Creating sustainable biocrops (Institution of Engineering and Technology)
16 September 2009	› Perennial energy crops could be good for carbon savings and for wildlife (AlphaGalileo)
9 June 2009	› Is Rural Land Use Too Important To Be Left To Farmers? (Science Daily)
18 April 2009	› Strange fruit: Could genetically modified foods offer a solution to the world's food crisis? (The Independent)
16 April 2009	› Research reveals surprise rye-grass germination results (Stackyard)
16 April 2009	› Researcher shortage could mean empty plates (Times Higher Education)
8 April 2009	› Latest green transport fuel could really grow on trees (The Scotsman)
27 January 2009	› Biofuels research gets £27 million push (Scottish Television News)
27 January 2009	› Pier-munching gribble may provide breakthrough for biofuels (The Guardian)

Video
27 January 2010	› Rothamsted scientists give evidence to the House of Lords select committee on Climate Change and Agriculture (parliamentlive.tv)
27 January 2009	› BBSRC Sustainable Bioenergy Centre launch (BBSRC YouTube)
1 September 2007	› Angela Karp tells Nick Higham biofuels are grown where food crops don't thrive. Dr Karp is incorrectly referred to as being from York University. (BBC News)