He was delivering a lecture on ‘Developing an integrated programme for wheat disease control in the UK’, organised by the Indian Society of Plant Pathologists. 

Referring to the main aim of the Home Grown Cereal Authority, Dr Jellis said it aims to improve production, wholesomeness and marketing of cereals and oilseeds with a view to increase their competitiveness in the UK and overseas in a sustainable manner.

Further giving an overview of the activities undertaken by British Society of Plant Pathology, he said diseases in crops like cereals, bean, peas, corn and oilseeds lead to economic losses, which requires effective disease management strategy.

Calling for a policy change in the way we control diseases, he said devising sound strategies for efficient crop healthcare is an area of concern. 

This information, especially on varietal management strategies, he said, is relevant to India.