The European Association for Research on Plant Breeding is hosting its 36th EUCARPIA Fodder Crops and Amenity Grasses Section Conference from 1-5 September 2025 in Aberystwyth, Wales. The event will bring together researchers, breeders, and practitioners to exchange the latest knowledge and innovations in grass and forage crop breeding.
The scientific programme will feature keynote lectures, invited talks and flash presentations across five thematic sessions:
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Diversifying of breeding populations by exploring untapped diversity and wild relatives
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Application of advanced phenotyping and genotyping technologies, ranging from genomics to modelling.
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Qualitative and quantitative traits, such as yield, persistence, and seed-related characteristics.
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Strategies to tackle biotic and abiotic stresses including climate resilience, winter survival and disease resistance.
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Use of polyploidy and interspecific hybridization to harness complex genomic architectures for crop improvement.
The programme also includes contributions from our Legume Generation partners, with David Lloyd reflecting on the history of forage breeding in the UK and its future challenges, and Andrew Griffiths presenting on harnessing untapped diversity in white clover through core collections and landscape genomics. Stephan Hartmann from the Bavarian State Research Center for Agriculture joined the event and the field trials and contributed to the discussions.
Beyond the scientific sessions, the conference offers field visits, networking opportunities, and a city tour, providing space for collaboration and exchange across disciplines and regions.
