Institute for Agri-Food Research and Innovation

Staff Profile

Professor Neil Boonham

Chair of Applied Crop Science

Background

I am a plant health scientist with a broad interest in biosecurity, diagnostics and improved use of crop protection products. Initially trained in plant virology I spent time at the Central Science Laboratory/Fera Science Ltd characterising new plant health risks and developing diagnostic methods for use by NPPOs both in the laboratory and in the field by inspection services.


During my time at Newcastle University my work has focused on the use of rapid diagnostics to generate data about pathogens that help the agriculture/horticulture sector to make more informed decisions about crop protection, including focusing on timing of application, spatial challenges, automation and resistance.


I have led large teams of scientists delivering this work and pulled together large collaborative, interdisciplinary networks to achieve these aims. To ensure the outcomes of the work is useful my work has always been developed and delivered closely with key stakeholders, either in government, industry or with commercial partners who bring solutions to market. I have published more than 160 peer reviewed articles on the subject and regularly present at international conferences.


Area of Expertise

Plant Health, plant protection, diagnostics and plant pathology 

For a full list of my publications please see my Google Scholar Profile and Orcid profile

Publications