Scientists recognised with MBE

1:11pm Wednesday 2nd January 2008

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A HARPENDEN scientist has been awarded an MBE for his research into a pest that every year caused $100 billion worth of damage to crops worldwide.

Professor Brian Kerry, 59, from Redbourn, has been head of Nematodes Interactions - research into microscopic worms that live in soil - for the last decade at Rothamsted Research Centre in Harpenden.

Last year he lead a major breakthrough into controlling the pests who feed on roots in soil, with one gram housing several thousand nemotades.

The biological control agent, that can be used in conventional and organic farming systems, has offered a natural solution to farmers across the world.

Professor Kerry, who has a degree in agricultural science and a PHD in Zoology, said: "Most people don't know about these microscopic worms because of their size and that they don't have the normal characteristics of other pests so they are often overlooked.

"But they are the reason that some farmers loose up to half of the crop each year.

"It's great to offer a natural, sustainable solution, as many people are turning away from using pesticides."

A regularly visitor of Cuba and Kenya to work with other scientists on the project, Brian was delighted to receive the award for his work.

He said: "At the time when I was deciding what to career to chose there was lots of interest in food security because of the famines. There was a need for people to do research and that's what attracted me to the job, I hoped I could help. I really love my job, there's lots of exciting work happening here.

"I was very pleased to be given a MBE. As a scientist your research is recognised by other scientists, but it's really nice to be recognised publicly."

Brian has worked at the agricultural research centre since 1973, joining the work it does to support sustainable land management.