Crop Health North held a conference on Thursday 23rd November aimed to inspire farmers and agronomists to think differently about how biopesticides for wheat could have a role to play in the future.

The audience learnt why biopesticides have been used and what effect they have on the plant’s health. This was an opportunity to explore different methods of practice sharing ideas on how to develop the project further. Following the presentations explaining the spring wheat trail findings, the biological product that is being used and the trial design for next year’s winter wheat trials, the audience had an opportunity to participate in a round table discussion.

Themes included;

• Can the project analysis conventional timings vs. optimum biological timings.
• Can the project use spore capture technology to identify when spores land?
• Can the project demonstrate financial viability?
• Can the project access crop monitor farm data as a comparison?
• Can the biological add value through nutrition uptake?
• What is the perception of biologicals with farmers and the general public?

You can view the presentations here:

Crop Health North Overview by Prof Rob Edwards

IPM and Biopesticide use in Arable Crops by Dr Roma Gwynn

Trials Overview by Tom King

An Introduction to Bayer Biologicals by Tim Lacey

Tom talks through the spring wheat trials and plot designs for next year’s winter wheat.

You can view the E-Flyer here: Whats available for Broadacre

You can view the agenda of the conference here: Whats available for Broadacre_Agenda

Link to the right up in the Farmers Guardian here: Trials show biopesticide potential – News – Farmers Guardian (fginsight.com)