The Marsh Horticultural Science Award, run in partnership with the Marsh Christian Trust and the Royal Horticultural Society, recognises and encourages new postgraduate scientists to develop careers in horticultural science.
Rachel’s award winning project focuses on identifying potential new soil treatments required to control Sclerotinia disease and on furthering investigation into the diversity, causes and patterns of the disease in the UK. This disease derives from the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and can damage a variety of major crops such as oilseed rape, lettuce, carrots, beans, peas and occasionally potatoes.
Through her project, Rachel has demonstrated her ability to design and carry out experiments which address both fundamental science questions as well as more practical solutions for the industry and crop growers. She has developed novel systems to carry out her assessments and has shown great dedication to her work throughout the process.
Brian Marsh OBE, Chairman of the Marsh Christian Trust said, “We developed this award in partnership with the RHS because we were concerned that too few bright scientists were choosing a career in horticultural science. Hopefully the award in a small way will help raise the profile of this important discipline and encourage more new scientists to aim for a career in horticultural science.”
The 2013 winners are Rachel Warmington and Madalena Vaz Monteiro. More information on HDC studentships can be found here, and information on the Marsh Award can be found here.
Source: HDC news release