LegumeLegacy

Welcome to the LegumeLegacy blog, written by our Doctoral Researchers! Die and Emery recently completed their four-week secondment at Goldcrop, a seed company in Ireland. As statisticians, delving into the world of fields, seeds, and animals, it was both a challenging and exciting journey. Let’s dive into their story!

Emery (left picture) and Die (right picture) were in the winter rye planted in Goldcrop, which reached nearly to their shoulder height.

Our First Day at Goldcrop

Finding our way in an unfamiliar town was a bit daunting, but with the help of GPS, we quickly reached our destination, Goldcrop. Our journey began under a drizzle, adding a touch of Irish charm to the start of our secondment.

Dr. Patrick Cashman, a principal investigator in LegumeLegacy, welcomed us warmly and guided us through the seed mixing factory. Here, seeds from the Netherlands, Denmark, and other European countries are blended using advanced machines. We were able to learn about Goldcrop's new collaborative program with Teagasc, aiming to breed new seed species with higher yields, improved disease resistance, and greater adaptability to various environmental conditions.

This is a collection of the many seeds shown in Goldcrop. How many species can you figure out?

Grass, Clover, and Cows: Teagasc Trials

Our visit to Teagasc for the Grass and Clover Variety Trials was an eye-opener. The event offered us a glimpse into the latest advancements in grass and clover cultivars. We attended insightful presentations and explored experimental plots. A memorable moment was when we visited the trial plots and saw the cows. We couldn’t stop commenting on their adorableness, however, we were in for a surprise when one of the cows decided to relieve itself right in front of us—an unexpected sight, adding a humorous twist to our day.

Teagasc's experimental plots.

A Statistician’s Comfort Zone: Streamlining Data at Goldcrop

Back at Goldcrop, we found ourselves in familiar territory—data processing. Our task was to consolidate data from various sources, including individual representatives, meetings, and forum registrations, into a comprehensive, company-wide database. Although dealing with the different formats was a challenge, we embraced it enthusiastically.

Cleaning and standardising the data felt like solving a complex puzzle. Once we integrated it into the centralised database, it became a more powerful tool for Goldcrop. This database now allows for quick access to relevant information, enhancing customer relationship management and facilitating efficient trade connections. The comprehensive database supports strategic decision-making and boosts operational efficiency across the organisation.

Wheat Waves and Cereal Wonders

Goldcrop hosts cereal open days inviting seed companies and farmers, and for four days this event provided them with the opportunity to explore the seed plants in Ballybane. Goldcrop proudly displayed a selection of premium seeds, including wheat, barley, rye, and other crops, chosen from various European countries to determine their suitability for Ireland's unique climate and soil conditions.

The sight of Goldcrop’s wheat fields was impressive. Planted last winter, the wheat had already grown tall. With perfect weather on our visit, a gentle breeze created golden waves across the fields, the shimmering effect of the wheat dancing in the wind was mesmerising.

Wheat waves at Goldcrop’s fields.

Inspiring Insights at IPSAM2024

IPSAM2024, the Irish Plant Scientists Association conference, gathered a diverse array of botanical researchers. It was a fantastic opportunity to delve into the genetics of plants, their ecological functions, and their role in environmental improvement. We were particularly inspired by the many PhD students presenting their groundbreaking research. Their work not only showcased innovative approaches but also set a high standard for our own aspirations in future conferences.

Reflections on our Experience

As our four-week secondment comes to an end, we are grateful for the invaluable experiences and knowledge gained at Goldcrop. From witnessing the intricacies of seed mixing to participating in dynamic events like the cereal showcase and IPSAM2024 conference, each moment has been enlightening.This experience pushed us out of our comfort zones, exposed us to new areas of research, and reinforced the importance of data in scientific advancements. We hope you've enjoyed following along on this journey with us!

This blog post was written by Die Hu and Emery Wang, and revised by Ellen Baekelmans and Sophia Philadelphi.