Research interests
Since joining NIAB from the commercial sector in 2007, Phil has worked on breeding and pre-breeding aspects including NIAB's flagship wheat resynthesis programme, the development of MAGIC populations, and general breeding input into many other projects. Most recently he has headed up several industrial collaborations, exploring niche markets for cereals and high-value oilseeds, and working with food companies seeking novel ingredients.
Research projects
PROSYN – investigating grain protein deviation in wheat
Duration: October 2016-December 2019
Partners: NIAB, Arvalis, Limagrain, KWS Momont, Syngenta
Funding: FSOV (2016 L)
Recent publications
Fradgley N, Gardner K, Cockram J, Elderfield J, Hickey J, Howell P et al. A large-scale pedigree resource of wheat reveals evidence for adaptation and selection by breeders. 2019 PLoS Biol 17(2): e3000071
Edwards SM, Buntjer JB, Jackson R, Bentley AR, Lage J, Byrne E, Burt C, Jack P, Berry S, Flatman E, Poupard B, Smith S, Hayes C, Gaynor R, Gorjanc G, Howell P et al. The effects of training population design on genomic prediction accuracy in wheat. 2019 Theor Appl Genet 132(7): 1943-1952
Gaynor RC, Gorjanc G, Bentley AR, Ober ES, Howell P et al. A two-part strategy for using genomic selection to select inbred lines. 2017 Crop Sci 57: 2372-2386
Mackay IJ, Bansept-Basler P, Barber T, Bentley AR, Cockram J, Gosman N, Greenland AJ, Horsnell R, Howells R, O’Sullivan D, Rose GA, Howell P. An eight-parent Multiparent Advanced Generation Inter-Cross population for winter-sown wheat: creation, properties
and validation. 2014 G3 4:1603-1610
Howell P et al. Rapid marker-assisted development of advanced recombinant lines from barley starch mutants. 2014 Mol Breed 33: 243-248
> 20 publications
Full publication list on Google Scholar
Meet the scientist
Find out about life as a plant breeder at NIAB as Dr Phil Howell discusses all about his role. From the big challenges ahead, his best research findings and top tips for anyone thinking of a career in crop science, Phil explains all. Plus what excites Phil most about his job and the best thing about working for NIAB.