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INSIGHT REPORT:3
PROVIDING
INTEGRATED
WHOLE FARM
SOLUTIONS
GREEN HORIZ NS
www.agrii.co.uk
Parasitised aphid ‘mummy’
Credit Lucy Hulmes, UKCEH
2 INSIGHT REPORT:3 INTEGRATED WHOLE FARM SOLUTIONS
CONTENTS
PART ONE INTRODUCTION
A GREEN HORIZONS: AN INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................4
B THE WHOLE FARM APPROACH: AN OVERVIEW..................................................................................5
C IPM IN THE WIDER INDUSTRY........................................................................................................ 6-8
PART TWO INTEGRATED WHOLE FARM SOLUTIONS
1 CULTURAL CONTROLS.................................................................................................................. 9-18
2 GENETIC ADVANCEMENTS......................................................................................................... 19-21
3 BIOSOLUTIONS.......................................................................................................................... 22-25
4 CROP PROTECTION CHEMISTRY................................................................................................. 26-29
5 DIGITAL TOOLS.......................................................................................................................... 30-34
6 SOIL HEALTH ENHANCERS...............................................................................................................35
PART THREE BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER 36-39
✚ Agrii’s Action Plan for Integrated Whole Farm Solutions
✚ Where next?
✚ Glossary of terms
CPD points are available for reading this publication. Please email info@agrii.co.uk with your name and BASIS/NRoSO number to claim your points.
INSIGHT REPORT:3 INTEGRATED WHOLE FARM SOLUTIONS 3
A BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION
PART ONE
Our ambitions under this section of the Green Horizons Five Point Plan are covered
in detail in this report. In summary, they are to:
Green Horizons is Agrii’s commitment to sustainable food production, and to taking a
lead on principles and practices that can help to create a robust future for UK agriculture. Advise on more resilient genetics through
Variety Sustainability Ratings.
SECTION 1
At its centre is our Five Point Plan to help prepare for, and meet, the challenges of tomorrow,
while ensuring that agriculture remains sustainable and profitable.
Develop climate tolerant break crops and
The Five Point Plan covers the action we are taking in each of the following areas:
associated agronomy advice.
SECTION 1
Ensure all research is driven by Integrated
Pest Management (IPM) principles.
SECTIONS 1-6
Increasing farm Providing Improving Enhancing the Extending Employ laboratory screening methods to
productivity and integrated whole soil resilience environment stakeholder fast-track biosolutions.
SECTION 3
viability farm solutions engagement
An Insight Report that pulls together all of the projects, research and ongoing work Establish recognised metrics on use of crop
that Agrii is involved in, within each area, will be produced for each of the five points protection products, to reduce negative impacts SECTION 4
of the plan. This report focuses on providing integrated whole farm solutions. while maintaining productivity.
THE CHALLENGE: OUR OBJECTIVES ARE TO:
Crop Protection Chemistry (CPC) is currently key for growing profitable ✚ Help our growers build business resilience to adapt
and healthy food. However, the availability and efficacy of CPC products is to climate change.
gradually declining, posing a threat to the future of food production.
We recognise that to maximise yields efficiently, the industry needs to reduce
✚ Sustainably increase agricultural production
reliance on CPCs for controlling weeds, pests and diseases. and incomes.
A future with less reliance on these products is one with increasing adoption of ✚ Help to reduce the carbon footprint of our industry
integrated whole farm solutions. Agrii has always supported Integrated Pest and look after the natural environment.
Management (IPM) principles, which are now rising up the political agenda,
to the heart of sustainable food production.
4 INSIGHT REPORT:3 INTEGRATED WHOLE FARM SOLUTIONS
BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION B
PART ONE
THE WHOLE FARM APPROACH: AN OVERVIEW
Digital Soil Health
Integrated Farm Management (IFM) is a whole farm business approach that Tools Enhancers
aims to deliver more sustainable farming. IFM combines the best of modern
technology with more traditional methods to help deliver profitable farming that
supports the natural environment. IFM has been developed and demonstrated by This document is
LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) over 30 years since 1991.
Attention to detail is key: appropriate and efficient use of inputs combined with
structured around the
Crop Protection
Chemistry IPM Cultural
Controls
smarter approaches to business planning and the adoption of innovations and six parts of the IPM
new technologies, all contribute to increasing productivity while protecting
valuable resources. IFM is at the centre of what Green Horizons aims to deliver, toolbox that make up
Genetic
and forms the basis of Agrii’s approach to agronomy.
our IPM wheel. Biosolutions Advancements
Integrated Crop Management (ICM) This describes an integrated, holistic
approach to the growing of a particular crop and how all the elements of IFM fit
together across that crop’s whole life cycle.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the careful consideration of all available
plant protection methods and subsequent integration of appropriate measures In their guide to Simply Sustainable Pest Management LEAF identify 8 steps to
that discourage the development of populations of harmful organisms, while follow when managing pests on farm:
keeping the use of CPCs and other forms of intervention to levels that are
economically and ecologically justified. (European Commission definition)
STEP 1 Prevention and suppression
IPM is the cornerstone of Agrii’s approach to sustainable total farming systems,
and always has been. Synthetic crop protection products should never represent STEP 2 Monitoring
the first port of call when addressing any agronomic challenge.
STEP 3 Decisions based on monitoring and thresholds
Since the launch of Green Land
scape Ma
na
Horizons, the proportion of rat
ed ge
m
STEP 4 Non-chemical methods
g e
te
Agrii trials including an element
nt
In
Farm Mana STEP 5 Pesticide selection
ted ge
of Integrated Pest Management gra m
e
e
has increased from STEP 6 Reduced pesticide use
t
nt
In
Crop Mana
85 98
ed STEP 7
% %
g
at Anti-resistance strategies
em
gr
to
Inte
ent
STEP 8 Evaluation
Integrated
Pest
We are on track to achieve Management You can download the guide here: https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/leaf-website/
our target of 100% by 2022. Simply-Sustainable-Integrated-Pest-Management-FINAL.pdf
Credit: LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming)
INSIGHT REPORT:3 INTEGRATED WHOLE FARM SOLUTIONS 5
C BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION
PART ONE
IPM IN THE WIDER INDUSTRY
I want to see massive investment into
With the loss of synthetic crop protection products and the clear message biodiversity..., so that farmers can increase their
to reduce our reliance on chemical use, IPM will increasingly become core yields and cut back radically on the quantities
to sustainable food production systems. Although not legislative, there is of chemicals they use... In Part Two of the
evidence to suggest the direction of travel in the UK and Europe. National Food Strategy, I will attempt to lay out
a blueprint for a better food system: one that no
longer makes us, or our planet, sick.
‘Measuring the unmeasurable’ is The National Food Strategy, Part One
the next barrier to overcome, as To support in the reduction of the
The National Food Strategy (Part Two) is
well as providing education on risks associated with pesticides now expected to be published in July 2021
how we implement and record by setting clear targets by the end
this approach.
of 2022, and improving metrics
and indicators, we will:
There are clear challenges and
✚ Establish a clear set of
opportunities that arise from targets for reducing the risks
these statements. Although associated with pesticide use
beneficial for the environment, by the end of 2022... The use of chemical pesticides in agriculture contributes to
such legislation could have a huge soil, water and air pollution, biodiversity loss and can harm
impact on our ability to produce
The Draft National Action Plan on non-target plants, insects, birds, mammals and amphibians.
the Sustainable use of Pesticides The Commission has already established a Harmonised Risk
quality food, whilst also causing
Indicator to quantify the progress in reducing the risks linked
an increased need for education.
to pesticides. This demonstrates a 20% decrease in risk from
We recognise that peer to peer pesticide use in the past five years. The Commission will
learning is one of the most take additional action to reduce the overall use and
effective ways for farmers to risk of chemical pesticides by 50% … by 2030.
learn. Through our trials and The European Union’s Farm to Fork Strategy
groups such as our farmer
network, we aim to share our
knowledge on IPM to the wider
industry, and help maximise the
benefits of the approach.
6 INSIGHT REPORT:3 INTEGRATED WHOLE FARM SOLUTIONS
BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION C
PART ONE
CURRENT AND ONGOING PEST CONTROL IN ARABLE CROPS
Our pest control trials focus on integrated pest
AGRII IPM TRIALS WORK management of BYDV and CSFB. They include:
With our aim to incorporate elements of IPM into ✚ CSFB larvae modelling trial for appropriate
100% of trials by 2022 (we’re currently at 98%), insecticide timing to target larval hatch.
even when running ‘product’ comparisons, we ✚ Large block drill date x companion crop x seed
are always considering trial design with IPM as treatment interaction trials and corresponding small
a backdrop. plot trials in the same field to help validate results.
That might be investigating adjuvant use, best ✚ Novel options to bolster or replace insecticide for
timing for efficacy and environmental protection, adult CSFB control.
appropriate rates for efficacy and resistance ✚ Winter wheat and winter barley varieties with
management, mix partners, variety selection, genetic BYDV tolerance in trials inoculated with
greener technologies, pest and disease modelling, infective aphids.
cultivation or rotation options. BYDV trial at Throws Farm, 2021
Please go to Section 1 of this Insight Report for
Here are some highlights from our current more information.
trials work:
WEED CONTROL IN VEGETABLES FRUIT low-priced imported
foods by focusing
ARABLE CROPS We’re investigating the A large proportion of our fruit
on sustainability
We currently have 24 weed control use of biostimulants trials investigate the use of new
and reductions in
trials focusing on integrated weed using carrots and biological products as alternatives
emissions on farm.
management, including winter cabbages as the host crops. to conventional chemistry on
Traffic-mapping machinery and
wheat, OSR, spring beans, spring prominent pests and issues within
We’re looking into the effectiveness movement around the farm can
linseed, maize and oats. the fruit sector. For example, we’re
of bioinsecticides against brassica help us to understand where fewer
running strawberry and grapevine
Trials are also underway looking at cultural whitefly, which possesses trips can be made and including
trials this year focusing on efficacy
control of ryegrass in large blocks in Yorkshire. resistance to a wide range of “no-mow” zones to promote the
of biopesticide products against
conventional insecticides. presence of beneficial insects can
downy mildew.
reduce the need for insecticides at
Trials are planned to investigate
POTATOES Agrii’s Fruit Team are always key times of the year. Monitoring
some bioinsecticides for control
looking to make the most from new and recording populations of
We’re currently reprising earlier of aphids. Continued regulatory
technology as well as from the trials beneficial insects through a ‘365 day
work on bio-nematicides, pressures on conventional
that they run at the Fruit iFarm in habitat’ ecosystem is another tool to
but with two new options to insecticides have resulted in fewer
East Malling, Kent. They aim to show the grower’s commitment to,
investigate their use against effective products to use in
give their customers the tools they and understanding of, the diverse
potato cyst nematode (PCN). vegetable crops.
need to set themselves apart from landscapes we work in.
INSIGHT REPORT:3 INTEGRATED WHOLE FARM SOLUTIONS 7
C BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION
PART ONE
FOUNDATION
TO FOLIAR CASE STUDY
A holistic approach to crop planning
and agronomy. AGRII FARM PARTNERSHIPS:
Agrii agronomists take a holistic WORKING TOGETHER TO
approach to agronomy, which starts well DELIVER FARM PROFITABILITY
before the seed is in the ground. Their
in-depth knowledge is backed up by The Agrii Farm Partnership (AFP) approach
results from our vast range of national is a new business model designed to deliver
trials, and our internal specialists in soil profitability and sustainability for farmers, farm
biology, cultivations, seed, nutrition, crop managers and land-owners.
protection and precision and digital As support payments are phased out and
farming solutions. arable margins come under increasing
As part of this integrated approach, pressure, AFP provides the opportunity
we identify T(-1) as the point of planting for long-term performance driven
and recognise the importance of the relationships with progressive farm
planning and preparation required to businesses looking to share in the risks
maximise a crop’s chances of reaching its and reward of farming in today’s climate.
genetic potential. In short, Agrii is made accountable so that
when you succeed, so do we.
This can help to identify and target the
level of inputs required, resulting in This approach facilitates a real and meaningful
environmental benefits, reduced carbon partnership that supports meeting the customer’s
footprint, greater crop resilience and a needs for a profitable and sustainable business, with
higher return on investment. both parties benefitting from success and sharing the
pain of challenging years.
Please speak to your Agrii contact for
more information about our integrated We work to agreed targets including gross margins,
foundation to foliar approach to agronomy making them the success criteria of the agreement.
and business planning, and the It provides the incentives to out-perform the season
opportunities that exist prior to planting to by tailoring agronomic management to deliver the
make the most from your fields. most profitable crops. Agrii can be judged on our
contribution to productivity on your farm.
In terms of ensuring that
any seed you plant reaches
its genetic potential, it’s what
you don’t do that counts!
8 INSIGHT REPORT:3 INTEGRATED WHOLE FARM SOLUTIONS
CULTURAL CONTROLS 1
Cultural controls are practices that reduce pest, disease or
weed establishment, reproduction, dispersal, and survival. IN THIS SECTION WE CONSIDER:
Using cultural controls before synthetic Crop Protection Chemistry ✚ Crop choices and rotations
(CPC), can reduce detrimental effects to the farm ecosystem
surrounding the growing environment. ✚ Variety choice
In certain cases, such as Cabbage Stem Flea Beetle (CSFB) in ✚ Cultivations
oilseed rape, where CPC is no longer available or has reduced ✚ Habitat creation for natural pest control
efficacy, cultural controls are an essential part of our armoury.
In any case, cultural control principles and practices are key to ✚ Agronomising nutrition
PART TWO
a regenerative farming approach, (see Green Horizons Insight
Reports 1 and 2) and play an integral role in IFM, ICM and IPM.
✚ Resistance is best managed by reducing the levels of pests,
weeds and diseases before any synthetic crop protection
interventions are used. This reduces the selection pressure
for resistance.
✚ Appropriate choice of crop, variety, seed rate, drill date and
cultivations all have a huge impact in reducing pest, weed
and disease pressure.
✚ Variety choice is the cornerstone of cultural control of pests
and diseases.
✚ Using fewer synthetic chemical inputs can help minimise the
risk to non-target organisms, therefore enhancing biodiversity
– as well as lowering input costs.
✚ Provision of the correct nutrition, at the correct time, can help
improve the crop’s ability to resist pests and diseases.
INSIGHT REPORT:3 INTEGRATED WHOLE FARM SOLUTIONS 9
1 CULTURAL CONTROLS – CROP CHOICES AND ROTATIONS
Practical and varied crop rotations can help to reduce
grassweed populations, as well as avoiding pest and FOCUS ON: HYBRID RYE
disease build-up.
Although hybrid rye has been a cropping option for a few years,
Indeed, crop rotation is one of the oldest and most
more recently a number of key agronomic and economic factors
effective strategies for preventing pest outbreak in
have aligned to make hybrid rye a logical answer to many of the
annual crops. Rotations that involve crops from different
new challenges facing UK arable farmers says Ben Lowe, Agrii
plant families can help to break up the lifecycles of
National Forage Product Manager.
insects, weeds and diseases.
It’s therefore also important to choose cover crops from
different plant families to your main crops, in order to “Current and future limitations
reduce the risk of these pests transferring over from your on use of agrochemicals, reducing
crop to the cover crop and vice versa.
input costs, widening rotations to
PART TWO
Varied rotations also have benefits for above and below help control blackgrass, looking at
ground biodiversity, nutrient and water availability and
soil physical properties (more information on the latter crops with a high tolerance to take-
benefits in Green Horizons Insight Report 1: Improving all in the second wheat slot and
Soil Resilience).
selecting crops with superior ability
to overcome drought conditions all highlight hybrid rye INTRODUCING
“We need to think beyond traditional grain as being an attractive choice for UK growers.” LIVESTOCK INTO
and oilseed cropping as we move into an THE ROTATION
increasingly uncertain food production
future. Demand for healthy and functional Integration of livestock-grazed multi-
species leys, cover or catch crops into
foods is escalating. Where this is being
arable rotations can help to diversify
met, it’s almost exclusively with imports. your cropping and extend rotations.
Yet we know we can grow them here. This increases land use diversity with
We also know there’s great potential for potential benefits for above and below
improving the health and functionality ground biodiversity, reducing build up
of crops we’re already growing, while of pests and diseases, and improving
overall soil health, alongside other
at the same time contributing towards a environmental benefits.
more varied and sustainable approach
to our rotations.” Remember – diversity in both crop
rotations and cover crop plant families
Peter Smith, Agrii Market Development Manager. is important to help manage pest
populations and enhance biodiversity.
10 INSIGHT REPORT:3 INTEGRATED WHOLE FARM SOLUTIONSCULTURAL CONTROLS – VARIETY CHOICE 1
To assist our agronomists and customers in selecting
the right variety for the right situation, we run national WHAT DO OUR ADVISORY
Yield Consistency
and regional variety trials, including those found on LISTS SHOW? Proportion of varieties rated
our iFarm and Technology Centre sites – extending
The variety data gathered from our trials
from Carnoustie (Angus) down to Saltash (Cornwall) allows us to start to unravel all aspects of High Consistency Medium Consistency Low Consistency
and from Bridgend (South Wales) across to Great variety performance.
53% 44%
Dunmow (East Anglia).
3%
As an example, we are able to look at how
The detailed data from these trials are used to create consistent varieties are over a period of
years. This key feature, combined with
the Agrii Advisory List. This complements the AHDB Yield Resilience under High Disease Pressure
yield resilience under disease pressure,
Recommended List, with extra analysis and statistically- gives a valuable insight on how to de-risk Proportion of varieties rated
robust data from Agrii’s extensive national and regional crop production. Very High Resilience High Resilience Medium Resilience Low Resilience Very Low Resilience
variety testing programme. The data charts on the right summarise 34
6% 6% 34% 34% 20%
Your Agrii agronomist has access to the latest winter wheat varieties including 32 from
PART TWO
the 2020/21 AHDB Recommended List.
Agrii Advisory List data – please speak to them for
more information.
Please Note: the AHDB Recommenced Lists can be viewed at: www.ahdb.org.uk/rl
Winter Wheat Variety Trials – 2 Year National and Regional Trials Summary
Treated and Untreated Yield and Specific Weight
OUR VARIETY TRIALS:
Treated Yield % of Controls Untreated Yield % of Controls Specific Weight (kg/hl)
110 80
✚ Evaluate the performance of potential, new and existing varieties
on a regional basis.
100 78
THE AGRII ADVISORY LIST:
Yield (% of treated controls)
Specific Weight (kg/hl)
✚ Provides detailed performance data from our trials and external data. 90 76
✚ Combines with ‘Blue Chart’ profiles on seed rates and drilling
dates experience. 80 74
Agrii Advisory Lists are available for winter wheat, winter barley,
spring barley and winter oilseed rape. 70 72
RGT SILVERSURFER
RGT WOLVERINE
LG SKYSCRAPER
60 70
LG SPOTLIGHT
RGT LANTERN
RGT GRAVITY
KWS PARKIN
KWS KINETIC
LG TAPESTRY
KWS KERRIN
KWS BARREL
KWS FIREFLY
KWS EXTASE
KWS SISKIN
KWS ZYATT
SY INSITOR
DUNSTON
COSTELLO
SHABRAS
RGT SAKI
GRAHAM
ELATION
SKYFALL
GLEAM
ELICIT
50 68
GROUP 1 GROUP 2 GROUP 3 GROUP 4 GROUP 4
MILLING MILLING BISCUIT SOFT FEED HARD FEED
Source: Mean of fifteen trials over two years. Mean yield of controls = 10.7 t/ha
INSIGHT REPORT:3 INTEGRATED WHOLE FARM SOLUTIONS 111 CULTURAL CONTROLS – VARIETY CHOICE
VARIETY SUSTAINABILITY RATINGS (VSRs) AGRII ADVISORY LIST
In 2020 we introduced Variety Sustainability Ratings into the Agrii Advisory List. MILLING WHEAT EXAMPLE
NABIM GROUP 1
As well as helping individual growers in their variety selection, these sustainability ratings form part of a Variety KWS Zyatt Skyfall Crusoe
concerted effort to improve the sustainability of UK arable production as a whole. They raise the technical Parentage Quartz x Hereford C4148 x Hurricane Cordiale x Gulliver
Breeder (Country – If not UK) KWS RAGT LG
bar of selecting varieties to a new level. Agent – If different - - -
AHDB Regional Recommendation ( ) = Agrii UK UK UK
The Variety Sustainability Ratings The Agrii trend is to choose varieties with a high VSR: Agrii Yield & Grain Quality – Agrii 3 Year Mean
provide an unbiased way of comparing UK Fungicide Treated Yield (% controls in trials) 100.6 97.6
Refer to Agrii
Untreated Yield (% treated controls in trials) 79 74
the overall robustness and resilience Sales of winter wheat varieties HIGH MEDIUM LOW Specific Weight (kg/hl) 75.4 75.4
Milling trial results
of varieties. Through collating and based on their VSR AHDB Yield & Grain Quality – AHDB RL
analysing ‘real-time’ data, they help us to UK Fungicide Treated Yield (% controls) 98.1 96.8 96.3
Agrii 59% 22% 12% East Fungicide Treated Yield (% controls) 98 97 96
answer the following questions: West Fungicide Treated Yield (% controls) 99 97 97
North Fungicide Treated Yield (% controls) 97 96 93
PART TWO
✚ Are the varieties technically robust? Rest of the
market
39% 34% 20% Untreated Yield (% treated controls) 79 74 69
Specific Weight (kg/hl) 77.8 78.4 77.9
✚ Which varieties offer consistent yields Top 22 mainstream varieties (share of seed sales) Protein Content (%) – Milling Spec. 13.1 13.2 13.6
and quality and reduce agronomic risk? Hagberg Falling Number 267 279 274
Disease Ratings: Black = AHDB RL data, Red = Agrii data
Sales of winter barley varieties HIGH MEDIUM LOW
✚ Do they provide the flexibility to use crop based on their VSR
Mildew Resistance (1-9) 7.3 - 6.2 - 6.4 -
Yellow Rust Resistance (1-9) 5.0 3.5 3.2 3.4 8.6 9.0
protection products more efficiently? Brown Rust Resistance (1-9) 6.0 6.2 8.3 8.0 2.8 2.4
Agrii 54% 38% 5% Septoria Tritici Resistance (1-9) 6.4 5.5 5.8 5.1 6.3 6.8
Scores are also added for traits which Eyespot Resistance (1-9) 7 - 6 - 5 -
reduce pesticide usage in the crop, Rest of the
39% 21% 21%
Carries PCH1 Rendezvous gene for Eyespot resistance Yes - Yes - - -
market
e.g. wheat orange blossom midge, BYDV, Fusarium Ear Blight Resistance (1-9) 5.9 S 7.0 MR 6.4 MS
Agronomic Characters: Black = AHDB RL data, Red = Agrii data
TuYV and pod shatter resistance. Top 15 mainstream varieties (share of seed sales) Lodging Resistance – Untreated (1-9) 7.2 6 7.5 8 7.3 7
Lodging Resistance – Treated (1-9) 8.0 7 7.7 9 7.7 7
Maturity (Days +/- Skyfall) 0 +1 0 0 0 0
How are Agrii’s Variety Sustainability Ratings calculated? Agrii Intelligence – Complementary Information
Yield Consistency Medium High Medium
WINTER WHEAT WINTER BARLEY OILSEED RAPE Yield "Resilience" under disease pressure
Yellow Rust Plant Susceptibility before GS32-33
Medium
Susceptible
Low
Susceptible
Low
Susceptible
VSRs are based on: VSRs are based on: VSRs are based on: Agrii Yellow Rust Diversification Group A3 O3 O1
✚ Foliar disease resistance ✚ BYDV (barley yellow dwarf virus) ✚ Autumn and spring vigour Grassweed Competitiveness *** **** ***
2nd vs 1st Wheat Relative Performance Acceptable Acceptable Poor
✚ Lodging tolerance ✚ Height Suitable for Regions of High Sterility Risk No Yes Yes
✚ Orange wheat blossom midge ✚ Foliar disease resistance ✚ Stem stiffness and lodging Soil Type Suitability Heavy Only Heavy & Light Heavy only
resistance ✚ Lodging ✚ Maturity Suitable to Drill Early (Before 15th Sept.) No No No
✚ Yield resilience and consistency ✚ Yield resilience ✚ Disease resistance Latest Optimum Drill Date End Jan. End Jan. End Oct.
AHDB Latest Safe Sowing Date (Breeder: See Notes) End Jan. End Feb. (7th Mar.) End Jan.
✚ Grassweed competitiveness ✚ Grassweed competitiveness ✚ TuYV (turnip yellows virus) OWBM Resistance No Yes No
✚ Specific weight ✚ Specific weight tolerance BYDV Tolerance No No No
✚ Latest optimum sowing date A weighting is applied to reflect the ✚ Pod shatter resistance British Cereal Exports (BCE) Rating ukp - ukp
✚ Second vs first wheat performance relative agronomic importance ✚ Nitrogen use efficiency SRUC Scottish RL Status 2021/22 Not recommended Not recommended Not recommended
HIGH HIGH MEDIUM
Weighted according to their of each character. A weighting is applied to reflect the
Variety Sustainability Rating
Please Note: AHDB’s information contained in this Advisory List is fully acknowledged and denoted as
importance, their potential to reduce relative agronomic importance of originating from the AHDB RL. (Full RL dataset is available from AHDB at www.ahdb.org.uk/rl)
pesticide use and overall cost/tonne. each character. Key: S = Susceptible, MR = Moderate Resistance, MS = Moderate Susceptibility
12 INSIGHT REPORT:3 INTEGRATED WHOLE FARM SOLUTIONSCULTURAL CONTROLS – VARIETY CHOICE 1
THE IMPORTANCE OF OUR TUSSOCK TRIALS
We also carry out tussock trials looking at 35 varieties of wheat (2020) across 12 sites.
The tussocks may look fairly unassuming, but in reality, So in reality because of the genetics added to the plots, This development has taken 3 seasons; following on
they perform a very specific task. we can monitor disease, particularly yellow rust, to from an early warning in 2018, we reported in 2019 that
assess whether there are any changes. virulence was becoming more common.
One of the main objectives of the tussock trials is to
assess the risk to current and new varieties from changes Indeed, it was in our tussock trials that we noticed a new This season virulence for Hereford increased again and has
in pathogen virulence detected each season. virulence within the variety Hereford. now became widespread. Other varieties with Hereford in
their pedigrees will be at risk.
Tussock trials, Chirnside
PART TWO
INSIGHT REPORT:3 INTEGRATED WHOLE FARM SOLUTIONS 131 CULTURAL CONTROLS – CULTIVATIONS
KEY POINTS TO CULTURAL AGRII AND LEMKEN’S STALE SEEDBED TOP TIPS:
CONSIDER: CONTROL OF
WEEDS THROUGH Prior to harvest identify the high risk fields and
✚ A focus on timely crop establishment
helps to ensure a healthy and resilient
1 prioritise cultivation practices.
crop that should be more able to CULTIVATION
withstand pest and disease pressure. METHODS Avoid uneven consolidation of the soil surface when
✚ Consider recognised pest risks when
Arable fields have a bank of seeds
2 creating stale seedbeds.
planning your site management
sitting in the soil waiting to germinate.
✚ Think about trying to preserve natural As weeds become increasingly resistant Remove flushes of blackgrass as they emerge –
predator populations when choosing to herbicides, it is important to avoid 3 you increase the overall germination of blackgrass
your methods of cultivation them emerging in the crop. this way, so the seedbank is reduced.
PART TWO
✚ Consider the risk of green bridge A good stale seedbed will provide the
Be patient! Emergence will occur even in a drier
transfer of pest populations perfect environment for the weeds to
germinate and emerge, so that they can
4 season – it just takes longer.
✚ Rolling after sowing may help to
be eliminated before the crop is planted.
consolidate the seed bed and reduce Don’t drill until adequate numbers of blackgrass have
availability of habitat for slugs. It will
also help to conserve moisture for the 5 germinated in the worst fields – this could easily be
growing crop.
into a mid-October drilling slot.
Use a cultivation strategy that enables you to drill the
6 worst fields last – this of course can be on the wettest
ground, so soil structure needs to be good to depth.
If the worst fields have not had high enough
7 germinations of blackgrass in the autumn and the
seedbed conditions are poor, Agrii work at Stow Longa
has demonstrated that these fields should not then be
mauled into cold and wet seedbeds. It is much better to
drill in the spring with the relevant choice of cropping,
which at Stow Longa was spring wheat.
More information in the Agrii and Lemken Guide to Blackgrass Stale Seedbeds
here: https://www.agrii.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Guide-to-
Blackgrass-Stale-Seedbeds.pdf
14 INSIGHT REPORT:3 INTEGRATED WHOLE FARM SOLUTIONSCULTURAL CONTROLS 1
HABITAT CREATION FOR POTENTIAL DEFICITS IN PEST CONTROL & POLLINATION
NATURAL PEST CONTROL a) Ground beetles (natural pest control) b) Crop pollinating bees (pollination)
Here we consider the pest predator Things to consider:
challenge and how natural pest The maps in the image on the High species richness/
control can be utilised. functional diversity
right show that areas of intensive
cropping can have the lowest Low species richness/
Utilising natural means of pest functional diversity
control is a complex science that functional diversity of key beneficial
is in its infancy. Until now farmers species – an issue likely associated
have worked on pest thresholds as with loss of habitat diversity. LOW FUNCTIONAL
a means of deciding when to treat We know that beneficial insects DIVERSITY IN
but this oversimplifies the subject. require a range of habitats, HIGH CROP
Farmers generally decide on pest
PART TWO
control that coincides with other
many of which no longer exist on PRODUCING
farmland. The decline in farmland
treatments as this reduces costs. habitats is well documented but
REGIONS OF UK
Modern agriculture has resulted the government’s Environmental
in the loss of mixed farming, Land Management (ELM) scheme,
tighter rotations, and crop promises a fresh approach to
specialisation. Many say this habitat creation along with
style of farming is the result of appropriate payments: so, could
declining gross margins. there be new opportunities for
natural means of pest control by
an increase in useful habitats?
Key Publications: Woodcock et al. (2014) Journal of Applied Ecology
A resilient system will need both species
diversity and abundance and a better Hoverfly larvae which predates on aphids
knowledge of the relationships between Credit Lucy Hulmes, CEH
insects and plants.
Agrii is supporting the long-term ASSIST project which is examining the
interactions between farming and the environment. One of the ASSIST
treatments is in-field and margin grass and flower mixes designed
to provide targeted habitats for a wide range of insect predators and
pollinators. We know specific flowers benefit specific insects.
For example, the Umbellifer family, e.g. Cow parsley and wild carrot
are good for hoverflies while many of the solitary bees favour yellow
Asteraceae (formerly Compositae) e.g. Dandelion and Hawkbits.
INSIGHT REPORT:3 INTEGRATED WHOLE FARM SOLUTIONS 151 CULTURAL CONTROLS
HABITAT CREATION FOR NATURAL PEST CONTROL DOES IT WORK?
We know more about crop pollinators There are many beneficial insects, and some of the more common ones we Pywell et al (2015) Wildlife-Friendly Farming
than we do about the interactions should be able to recognise. The diversity within these groups is huge: Increases Crop Yield: Evidence for Ecological
between crop predators and pests. Intensification. Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
How many beneficials of a given species NUMBER OF SPECIES BY INSECT – UK FIGURES The Hillesden project compared a range of
do we need to deal with a pest attack and habitat types and demonstrated that there was a
how would things vary in different crops? link between habitat diversity and overall yield
increases. This was partly due to the increase in
We do know that crop pests generally crop pollinators but an overall increase in
build up more rapidly than the predator diversity and abundance was also a
BEETLES LADYBIRDS BUGS CENTIPEDES FLIES
predators, so a balance needs to contributory factor.
be struck. >2000 >50 >50 >50 >750
PART TWO
In the project’s control fields which were normal
Research is examining the use of image farming practice, the yields were 38% lower than
recognition for crop pests and predators the experimental treatments. Habitat creation in
so, in the future, crops can be monitored these lower yielding areas led to increased yield
more regularly which will provide better MIDGES HOVERFLIES LACEWINGS SAWFLIES WASPS in the cropped areas of the fields, and this positive
threshold systems that help in identifying >600 >250 >100 >50 >100 effect became more pronounced over 6 years.
both pests and predator build up. As a consequence, yields at the field scale were
In the meantime, we need to be able to maintained – and, indeed, enhanced for some
find and recognise crop predators as well crops – despite the loss of cropland for habitat
as we can crop pests. creation. These results suggested that over a 5-year
ANTS BEES SPIDERS MITES crop rotation, there would be no adverse impact
>50 >300 >400 >30 on overall yield in terms of monetary value or
nutritional energy.
This study provides a clear demonstration that
wildlife-friendly management which supports
Slug being eaten by a ground beetle (Pterostichus madidus) ecosystem services is compatible with, and can
Credit Lucy Hulmes, CEH
even increase, crop yields.
The current dependency on insecticides
suggests we need to develop a more
integrated system. Farmers need to see and
understand the scientific evidence and ELM
schemes need to reward farmers for a more
holistic approach to pest management.
16 INSIGHT REPORT:3 INTEGRATED WHOLE FARM SOLUTIONSCULTURAL CONTROLS – IN ACTION 1
BATTLING THE BEETLE THE 8 POINT PLAN IN ACTION:
The Agrii 8 Point Plan for managing Cabbage Stem Flea Beetle in OSR.
ENHANCED ESTABLISHMENT
1. Close rotations are the cause of many problems
CASE STUDY APPROACH RESTORES FAITH IN
in OSR. Growing OSR once every five years is OILSEED RAPE AT THE DORSET iFARM
a good target. You could also try sacrificial
field boundaries, leaving OSR volunteers 1 8 Putting all the pieces of a Increasing their OSR area by almost
in neighbouring fields or block cropping to CONSIDER MONITOR CROPS well-researched oilseed rape a third after last season’s experience
improve isolation. ROTATION AND USE SPRAY establishment jigsaw in place wasn’t a decision the team took lightly.
CHOICES THRESHOLDS has paid handsome dividends for Indeed, they only took it armed
2. Drilling into tall straw or green cover can
help to camouflage the crop. Nurse Jim Farquharson and his Agrii with a clear set of establishment
crops can also be considered. agronomist, Todd Jex at the Dorset improvement imperatives:
iFarm near Blandford this season.
3. The most important factor is 2 7 ✚ Leaving a long enough
PART TWO
having adequate seedbed AVOID SEED TREATMENTS “Last season wasn’t pretty,” recalls barley stubble;
moisture so that seedlings are GREEN LEAVES AND FOLIAR Mr Farquharson who runs the family’s
ON BARE SOIL BIOSTIMULANTS ✚ Establishing a strong buckwheat
actively growing by the time 400 ha arable business alongside other
companion ahead of the crop;
of migration. enterprises. “As well as losing over
half our crop, the fields we harvested ✚ Minimising soil disturbance
4. Hybrids such as INV1035, DK
averaged just 3.3t/ha. Excluding the at drilling;
Exsteel and Ambassador exhibit
badly-damaged areas, though, they ✚ Placing a specialist starter
fast growth. Anastasia and 6
Aardvark perform well amongst 3 COMPANION
did 3.9t/ha despite the appallingly wet fertiliser with the seed;
the conventionals, while DK MOISTURE MORE AND winter and bone-dry spring; which ✚ Using a proven fast-developing
Impressario CL would be Agrii’s IMPORTANT NURSE is about what we normally average. as well as vigorous hybrid;
THAN CALENDAR CROPPING This convinced us the crop was worth
Clearfield variety of choice.
5. Access to macro and micro
DATE 4 5 sticking-with, providing we could get it
✚ Drilling into moisture after the
RAPID GROWING ENSURE SOIL middle of August; and,
nutrients is important. Chicken muck established reliably. It’s long been our
VARIETIES CONDITIONS ✚ Minimising other inputs until the
or digestate can give the crop an early boost. preferred cereal break and best entry
STAND THE AND CROP
BEST CHANCE NUTRITION ARE for wheat.” crop is securely established.
6. Companion crops have proven successful at
OPTIMAL
reducing larval damage. Buckwheat is probably “Interestingly, putting all the pieces
the most widely used and forms an umbrella over WATCH: Tom of the establishment puzzle into place
the OSR. Perrott and seems to have protected the OSR
7. Take Off OSR seed treatment can help aid Mat Hutchings as effectively from our partridges as
Agrii’s Steve Corbett and Tim Horton walk explain the work it has from the flea beetle,” reflects
establishment. Applying a foliar mix of macro and
micro nutrients at the two-leaf stage can give crops through the cultural control trials at AgriiFocus on the 8 Point Mr Farquharson. “There’s plenty of
a follow-up boost. and discuss Agrii’s 8 Point Plan for consideration Plan at the water to go under the bridge yet,
before deciding whether to grow OSR. Dorset iFarm here: https://vimeo. but this season is really beginning to
8. Check for shot holing at emergence and use
com/534092103/b27b20882c restore our faith in the crop.”
yellow traps in the autumn to assess adult CSFB
pressure. Chemistry provides only a weak tool WATCH:
to fall back on, so an integrated approach to https://vimeo.
management is essential. com/415927877/4b32ddde11
INSIGHT REPORT:3 INTEGRATED WHOLE FARM SOLUTIONS 171 CULTURAL CONTROLS – IN ACTION
BLACKGRASS MANAGEMENT AT THE AGRII
STOW LONGA TECHNOLOGY CENTRE RESULTS FROM AGRII TRIALS
Herbicides continue to have a valuable role to play in countering the serious challenge of
blackgrass. But growing resistance problems mean the chemistry available must be employed in Independent multi-factor trials at Stow Longa
the best possible way. It also needs to be closely integrated with a whole range of cultural controls (over 21 years) and our other iFarm trials across
to ensure wheat production continues to be sustainable. the country, have demonstrated what impact
Agrii has been exploring as many opportunities in the wheat crop. The most valuable in this can be made on blackgrass and gross margins
as possible for doing so at Stow Longa since 2000, respect are: through a diversified rotational strategy.
in a range of integrated blackgrass management
✚ Rotational ploughing The blocks at Stow Longa are combinations of cropping options
trials and studies.
✚ Pre-planting glyphosate and within each block there is a plough-based system, deep one
From this work, and studies by Dr Stephen Moss pass cultivating to 12-15 cms and a catch / cover crop area,
PART TWO
✚ Delaying drilling
at Rothamsted and other UK specialists, it has which has been min-tilled.
become clear that a number of techniques used ✚ Higher seed rates
in combination offer the opportunity to drastically ✚ Competitive varieties The key points from this work are:
reduce the blackgrass burden facing herbicides ✚ Rotation options ✚ Cultivations are very much part of the overall strategy
– but do them early after checking soil structure.
Even without the need
Figure 1: Potential cumulative benefit of cultural control in blackgrass for spring cropping or ✚ Plough as a reset followed by shallow cultivations (with
1500 other rotational changes, catch / cover crops?)
1500
applying the results of ✚ Drill later – allow six weeks between the main cultivation
1300 these investigations to and drilling but watch out for a dry September.
Heads of blackgrass/m2
Huge
reduction in the initial 1,500 heads/m2 ✚ Don’t keep moving the ground, blackgrass will grow in the
1100 genotype
66% exposure to blackgrass population germination zone without further action – leave the rest of the
herbicides
900 at Stow Longa shows seedbank out of the way.
the extent to which
700
50% this could be possible ✚ Glyphosate using a good product and a decent rate a few
50% 20%
500 30% (Figure 1). days before drilling, incorporating a water conditioner if
500
98% required to prevent lock-up.
300
250 125 ✚ When you drill – just drill, don’t cultivate.
100 70
100 ✚ Carrying on regardless without changes to cultivations and
1 crop type x drilling date, has a serious impact on yield and
0
therefore income.
l
gh
e
g
te
ty
de
ia
at
in
ra
e
ci
ou
nt
ri
os
ill
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✚ Strongly consider rotations and their positive contributions towards
ed
Va
te
Pl
ph
dr
er
Po
Se
ly
ay
H
lowering blackgrass numbers and increasing gross margins.
G
el
D
18 INSIGHT REPORT:3 INTEGRATED WHOLE FARM SOLUTIONSGENETIC ADVANCEMENTS 2
There are always exciting trait developments happening in the breeding industry
but it’s often hard to get an accurate timescale on their delivery to the farm Figure 1: Increases in varietal Septoria resistance between 2005-2021
gate. Some traits are developed in-line with end user requirements, others bring
agronomic traits which if implemented well can have a significant effect in the Av lines 6+ lines 6.5+
7 25
implementation of IPM on farm.
6
SEPTORIA
20
Number of lines
5
Average score
Over the last few seasons we have seen whole Recommended List. The lower lines 4
15
an increase in variety introductions show the dramatic increase in varieties
3
with increased Septoria resistance. with the higher levels of resistance. 10
Historically the highest levels of 2
The value of Septoria resistance is
resistance were coupled with poorer 5
widely recognised and it is just one of 1
grain quality. UK plant breeders have
the components which contribute to
PART TWO
worked to increase the level of Septoria 0 0
the Agrii Variety Sustainability Rating
resistance available and have broken the
/7
/8
/9
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
0
1
2
3
(VSR) (please see Section 1 for more
/1
/1
/1
/1
/1
/1
/1
/1
/1
/1
/2
/2
/2
/2
link to poor grain quality.
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
information). Yield at all costs is no longer
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
The results of this work are shown in the king, profitable yield is king which means
graph in figure 1. The top line shows the a greater role for robust varieties on a
steady rise of the average score across the modern farm.
WHAT ARE GENETIC TRAITS?
A trait is a specific characteristic of an
individual, inherited from its parents, which
gives that individual its characteristics and
appearance. Traits are determined by genes,
and also by the interaction between the
environment and genes.
INSIGHT REPORT:3 INTEGRATED WHOLE FARM SOLUTIONS 192 GENETIC ADVANCEMENTS – BYDV
The second example of a strong trait ready to be utilised is that KEY AREAS FOR
of BYDV tolerance and resistance arriving in the market in both UTILISATION ARE:
winter wheat and winter barley. ✚ High risk areas such as the
south of the country and
Within wheat, RAGT have brought aphids left uncontrolled by cold weather
coastal regions
the BDV2 gene conferring BYDV can survive to give further generations of
resistance, while in barley the YD2 winged aphids which may cause further ✚ Higher risk fields with
gene conferring tolerance can be found. risk to other crops. historic BYDV pressure
Tolerance genetics stop BYDV affecting
Inoculated trials reproduce very high ✚ Areas for earlier sowing to
yield components but don’t impede its
aphid pressure but illustrate how effective negate BYDV risk
movement around the plant. Resistance
the tolerance genes are (figure 2). Plots
genetics do interfere with the virus ✚ Headlands where a
were +/- insecticide spray 3 days later. Funky (susceptible) May 2021
and so are classified differently. Both pyrethroid buffer zone exists
The graph below shows the crop biomass
PART TWO
mechanisms offer yield security and
recorded at the end of March 2021 and ✚ Direct drilled crops, direct
do not require aphid control in most
illustrates the effects of BYDV in plots in transfer of aphids from host
situations. Very large numbers of aphids
susceptible and tolerant barley varieties. cover crop species
can cause direct feeding damage, while
✚ Grain aphid (Sitobion
Figure 2:
avenae) insecticide
resistance presents an issue
NDRE* Score by Treatment Number
Utilising varietal resistance is
P value = 0.0001 LSD = 0.0435 cv = 7.57% the cornerstone of IPM strategies
0.55000 on farm. Employing varieties
0.50000 with the correct set of resistance
characteristics reduces risks to
0.45000 Bazooka (susceptible) May 2021
the farm business, saves money
NDRE Score
0.40000 and protects the environment.
0.35000
0.30000 *Normalised Difference Red
0.25000 Edge (NDRE) imagery is a
method of determining crop
0.20000
health to detect changes in
0.15000 chlorophyll content within
Funky Funky Bazooka Bazooka Rafaela Rafaela the leaf and through the
untreated treated untreated treated untreated treated
plant canopy.
Rafaela (tolerant) May 2021
20 INSIGHT REPORT:3 INTEGRATED WHOLE FARM SOLUTIONSGENETIC ADVANCEMENTS – GENOME EDITING 2
Genome editing is a vast and complicated wheat. Bigger than the human genome Credit: Nicolle Rager Fuller, National Science Foundation
subject that has received a lot of press by nearly five times, they identified
coverage in recent years. On such a 108,000 genes across the 21 chromosomes.
technical subject it is hard to know where Understanding what this all means, how
to start, so in writing this we hope to it works and why, is the role of modern
explain how plant genetics have evolved genomic science. Today’s plant breeding
to this point and where new technology marries both traditional plant selection in
might take us. the field (selection by eye) with increasing
knowledge of the genetic blueprint to help
Plants, like animals, have been
understand and predict performance.
domesticated by humans since the dawn
Combined, these result in faster delivery
of civilisation. All species have a range
of sustainable solutions, for example
of genetic diversity within their DNA
breeders now have more knowledge
coding. These differences are brought
about resistance genes rather than having
about spontaneously in nature either
PART TWO
to follow the ‘suck it and see’ approach
within the organisms’ natural cycles or
required in the past. New knowledge and
by an external factor. Internal variation
technology speeds up this process, while
is largely brought about when the “copy
open access libraries of information are
and paste” process of cell division goes a
available for all types of businesses across
bit wrong, while external influences such
the globe.
as radiation can change the DNA in living
cells. These can create differences in the The last time that genetics came under
plant, sometimes good, sometimes bad. close public scrutiny was when GMOs
Throughout history, humans consuming (Genetically Modified Organisms) came
size or increase levels of Beta Glucan sustainable food system and recognised
these plants have identified changes in the into the spotlight. The European Union
in barley. More importantly there are that the existing GMO legislation from
plants they considered “good”, changes defines GMOs as “an organism, with the
options to turn off genes known to have 2001 is not suitable for these technologies.
such as improved disease resistance, fruit exception of human beings, in which the
negative implications. It is suggested that New genomic techniques such as genome
size or yield. These plants were not eaten genetic material has been altered in a way
susceptibility to Septoria was increased editing therefore pose difficult questions
but kept and cultivated, hence shifting that does not occur naturally by mating
when breeding increased rust resistance both socially and legislatively. There is an
the population. A spectacular example of and/or natural recombination”.*
and eyespot resistance between the urgency of action required by humanity
domestication is that of teosinte, a small,
Genome editing, scientists point out, 1950s and 1980s. There are also genetic where new technologies may play an
hard seeded plant native to Mexico, which
is different from this definition. The options for improving grain quality, and important role but they must be explained
is the forebear of modern maize.
mechanisms happen in nature, and much the ability to lower the gluten content in a clear and transparent way so that the
In more recent times, human work is ongoing at governmental level to or decrease asparagine levels in wheat public are presented with all the facts from
understanding of genetics has improved. define this. There is great interest in the have been cited as achievable amongst which to make informed decisions.
One notable advancement being in 1865 plant, animal and human science arenas the scientific community.
* DIRECTIVE 2001/18/EC OF THE
with Gregor Mendel’s Laws of Inheritance, as a research tool and as a mechanism
The European Commission (EC) recently EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE
and the pea flower experiment everybody to make small known genetic changes to
published a report highlighting the COUNCIL of 12 March 2001, 02001L0018 —
remembers from biology lessons. After 13 specific genes. These changes could be
challenges surrounding new genomic EN — 27.03.2021 — 007.001 — 2.
years of work, in 2018, 200 scientists from 73 to activate “sleeping” genes that could,
techniques (NGT) **. The EC acknowledged
institutions across 20 countries produced a for example, improve drought tolerance ** https://ec.europa.eu/commission/
their potential role in developing a more
genome sequence (DNA map) of modern characteristics, create bigger grain presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_1985
INSIGHT REPORT:3 INTEGRATED WHOLE FARM SOLUTIONS 213 BIOSOLUTIONS
FIRSTLY, WHAT DO WE MEAN WHY ARE WE INCREASING OUR
SOME EXAMPLES OF AGRII
TRIALS FOCUSING ON
BY BIOSOLUTIONS? COMMITMENT TO ‘FAST TRACKING’ BIOSOLUTIONS:
For the purposes of this document, Agrii views THE DEVELOPMENT OF BIOSOLUTIONS?
biosolutions as being evolving technologies that may
As with all new technologies which become available to
SEED TREATMENTS
be used as well as, or instead of, conventional synthetic We’re looking at a wide range of crops to
UK farmers, Agrii operates a ‘What Works?’, evidence-led
Crop Protection Chemistry (CPC) products to enhance understand the effects of biostimulant and
approach. Our Green Horizon manifesto states that we will
crop health, plant metabolism, yield, crop protection, endophyte seed treatments.
be fast-tracking the research and testing of biosolutions in order
nutrient use efficiency or reduce the effects of stress.
to introduce them as rapidly as possible onto the UK market. FOLIAR BIOSTIMULANTS/
They include the following:
Why have we taken this decision? ELICITORS
BIOSTIMULANTS ✚ We need alternative agronomy solutions: Conventional We’re looking at the contribution of a range of
Crop Protection Chemistry (CPC) is becoming more plant health products, elicitors and biostimulants
A material that contains substance(s) and/or
PART TWO
challenging to discover and more expensive to achieve to disease tolerance, phytotoxicity, stress reduction
microorganisms whose function, when applied to plants
the high standards required by the UK registration system. and yield.
or the rhizosphere, is to stimulate natural processes to
benefit nutrient uptake, nutrient efficiency, tolerance Therefore, we have gaps in the ‘agronomy toolbox’ that The aim is to determine whether we can reduce
to abiotic stress, and/or crop quality, independent of its need a solution. Biosolutions are getting more reliable and fungicides and maintain disease control and yield
nutrient content. may help plug that gap. with elicitors. What’s the best rate and timing for
these products?
✚ To use in Integrated Pest Management programmes:
ENDOPHYTES Biosolutions may in some cases be a more benign partner Our Green Horizons trial set at AgriiFocus, West
A bacterium or fungus that lives within a plant without to CPC products when used in IPM programmes. In addition, Lutton and Lenham, evaluates a standard and
causing apparent disease. Endophytes may enhance they may help protect CPC products and reduce selection reduced rate fungicide programme together with
host growth, nutrient uptake and improve the plant’s pressure for pest, weed or disease resistance. a reduced rate fungicide programme bolstered
ability to tolerate abiotic stresses such as drought and by biosolutions, across 14 varieties at each site.
decrease biotic stresses by enhancing plant resistance ✚ To speedily identify potential biosolution candidates
to pests and pathogens. to refine priorities for small replicated plot trials: These POTATOES
are expensive to do and the failure rate for achieving We have been investigating a range of eight
ELICITORS statistically significant field results is high. Development biostimulants, mostly amino-acid based with
Extrinsic or foreign molecules often associated with plant of a ‘fast-track’ method for screening allows rapid different partner materials and from different
pests and diseases. They attach to special receptor identification of potential candidates, allowing us to be sources, e.g. seaweed.
proteins located on plant cells and trigger intracellular more targeted with the resources we have. We have also run a number of trials with plant
defence signalling. This can result in enhanced synthesis ✚ They may play a role in the drive toward zero residue elicitor ProAct and calcium supplements and
of metabolites which reduce damage and increase food production: Identification of reliable biosolutions have seen an uplift in tuber calcium levels.
resistance to pest, disease or environmental stress. which might enable reduced rate CPC products to be
This is an important factor in mitigating tuber
used, would help lower residues in food stuffs.
BIOPESTICIDES quality issues such as internal rust spot.
Crop protection agents based on living micro-organisms Read more in the news story here:
READ: Biosolutions explained here: https://www.agrii.co.uk/blog/trust-
or natural products. They include bioinsecticides,
https://www.agrii.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/ the-science-when-choosing-bio-
biofungicides and bioherbicides.
2021/03/BioSolutions-Explained-March-2021.pdf stimulants/
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