Speaking at an online seminar hosted by ADAMA Agricultural Solutions UK Ltd, Dr Mike Grimmer of the ADAS Crop Disease Management team outlined the findings of a new round of modelling work in which it was found that the addition of folpet can extend the effective life of programmes containing the azole, mefentrifluconazole, and the SDHI, fluxapyroxad.

The modelling work was designed to assess the usefulness of folpet as a tank mix partner in septoria application programmes and to quantify the effect of folpet on the rate at which disease resistance develops to ‘at risk’ single site modes of action.

The project studied the effect of adding folpet to two scenarios: a UK-relevant treatment programme (SDHI applied twice) where both single site actives were applied in mixture at the T1 and T2 spray timings, and a UK/EU-relevant scenario (SDHI applied once) where only mefentrifluconazole was applied at T1, followed by mefentrifluconazole in mixture with fluxapyroxad at T2.

The modelling work assessed the expected effective life of the treatment programmes (the time between the introduction of the fungicides and the moment at which effective disease control is lost) and investigated how the addition of folpet can extend this effective life.

Without the inclusion of folpet, the effective life of the treatment programmes was predicted to be 13 years when used at their full rate in the UK scenario, and 10 years in the EU scenario.

The addition of 1.5 litres of folpet at either the T1 or T2 timing extended this to 17 years in the UK programme, while its inclusion at both of timings extended the effective life of the partner products to 27 years (table 1). In the EU scenario, the addition of folpet at T1 extended the effective life of the single sites from 10 years up to 18 years. Adding folpet at T2 also extended the effective life, but by a more modest two years (up from 10 years to 12 years). Meanwhile, the inclusion of folpet at both timings extended the effective life from 10 to 28 years (table 2).

“This latest round of modelling work clearly shows that folpet can substantially increase the effective life of typical treatment programmes,” Dr Grimmer explains. “However, the extent to which folpet increases the effective life of treatment programmes depends on how folpet is used, with the timing of its inclusion, as well as how many applications are made and at what rate all having an impact.”

The study also highlighted that increasing the dose of ‘at risk’ single site fungicides can decrease their effective life.

“The over-arching message is that relying solely on single site modes of action and using these products at their maximum rates will result in these products experiencing a rapid decline in efficacy as resistance develops,” Dr Grimmer adds. “A more sensible approach is therefore to include a multi-site fungicide in spring spray programmes, not only to improve overall disease protection efficacy, but also to maintain disease control as resistance selection progresses.”

Also speaking at the seminar was Andy Bailey, ADAMA’s fungicides technical specialist, who outlined how and when ARIZONA (500g/L folpet SC) should be used in wheat and barley programmes.

“In wheat, the key timing to include folpet is at T1 when it will boost protection and help crops to stay ahead of the disease. Using folpet at T1 will help in all scenarios,” he explains, “with a subsequent application at T2 helping to maintain protection and keeping the upper canopy greener for longer. This subsequently enables crops to capture more sunlight which ultimately translates through to better yields.”

In high risk septoria situations, such as where a susceptible variety has been drilled early in a wet, mild year, Mr Bailey recommends using folpet at the T0 timing, with subsequent applications made at T1 and T2 “to power up the programme and provide season-long protection”.

Mr Bailey also explained that folpet provides protection against ramularia and net blotch in barley, as well as activity versus rhynchosporium. “In winter barley the key timing for the inclusion of folpet to control ramularia is at T2,” he describes, “but improved results can be seen when it is applied at two spray timings, with programmes that include folpet at T1 contributing to the control of net blotch and rhynchosporium and also helping with resistance management of these key diseases.”

Likewise, the T2 timing is also key for protecting spring barley against ramularia, with a two-spray approach (at T1 and T2) giving the best results, particularly where disease pressure builds early because of wetter spring conditions.

“In scenarios where resistance management is the absolute driver in all crops, it is advisable to maximise the dose of the active ingredient with the lowest risk of resistance,” Mr Bailey adds. “In other words, use a full rate dose of folpet to protect ‘at risk’ single site modes of action, and, where disease pressure allows, reduce the selection pressure exerted on the latter by applying them at an appropriate dose in mixture.”

You can read more information about how and when to use folpet.

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Belinda Bailey, Syngenta sustainable farming manager, demonstrates green cover for soil enhancement.

Created in partnership with specialist seed supplier Kings, the mixtures have been specifically selected to achieve reliable establishment under farm conditions, as well as cost-effective management.

All Syngenta Operation Pollinator seed mixes are backed by years of research and studies of the ecological and biodiversity gains, including for pollinating insects and beneficial pest predators, along with agronomic features of nutrient capture and soil enhancement.

The mixes also fit in with SFI and Countryside Stewardship schemes, including pollen and nectar flower mix (CS AB1 & AB8) and provision of winter bird food (CS AB9), or as a watercourse buffer strip (CS SW4) – attracting payments now worth up to £732 per hectare.

What’s more, the mixtures may attract additional payments for growers through the advent of new and diverse funding opportunities coming in from the private sector.

Belinda Bailey, Syngenta sustainable farming manager, highlighted the mixes and recommended management techniques have been refined by 20 years of Syngenta investment in Operation Pollinator research and on-farm trials to ensure reliability and success for growers.

“Ecological payments for many are an increasingly important part of a farm’s overall income stream,” she said. “Ensuring habitats can be consistently created and managed effectively to meet the requirements of schemes is essential to achieve their objectives.

“The Operation Pollinator mixes that have proved so popular in past seasons continue to deliver on both ecological and economic fronts,” she continued. “New research is continuing to ensure they meet the changing legislative landscape and fit seamlessly with agronomic practices in a shift to regenerative agriculture systems.”

Syngenta Operation Pollinator seed mixes for the 2023 season

The new mixes available to farmers include:

Operation pollinator annual flower mix

A carefully selected mix of flowers designed to be easy to establish and manage, yet offering an incredibly rich diversity with impressive visual appeal when in flower. When sown in the autumn, it is one of the earliest flowering mixes in the season – before many of the perennial flower margins – to attract pollinating insects and provide habitats for beneficial pest predators.

The mix is also ideal to fill the hungry gap for insects after OSR flowering.

Seed supplier Kings describes the product as: “The mix that goes on giving, research has even shown it can be left in situ for two successive seasons with great results.”

Syngenta Green Headland Mix

A fast growing and strong rooting mix originally designed for sowing on uncropped areas surrounding potato and vegetable fields. The cover provided helps to protect soils from erosion and damage due to farm equipment, while also capturing and retaining high levels of valuable nutrients in the field.

According to Kings, growers who have used the Green Headland Mix have seen enhanced performance of the following crop compared to fields that had no cover.

Non-brassica Green Headland Mix

Designed for field vegetable growers or arable farms where brassica crops are a key part of the rotation, the non-brassica version of the Green Headland Mix provides the same benefits of soil protection and nutrient capture as the standard, while maintaining the rotational break clubroot and pests.

Moreover, research is currently looking at the benefits of planting these margins in the tramlines of vegetable fields.

Kings say the non-brassica mix may also provide benefits to farms that suffer from flea beetle infestations, which may compromise brassica establishment.

Bees and Seeds Mix

Finally, a mix that pioneered proactive multi-tier ecological habitat management. It is designed to provide vibrant flowering as a crucial source of pollen and nectar for insects through late summer and autumn, along with seed-bearing heads to give farmland birds an essential source of food through the winter months.

Kings added: “Sunflowers in the mix are a real stand-out for colour and attraction, as well as a long-lasting food source for farmland birds. The mix provides an ideal habitat for game birds and complements game cover.”

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Pete Hawkins (right) & John Cussans (left)

John Cussans, weed biology and management specialist at NIAB reports the trials, in association with Syngenta, will help growers focus on what weeds they want to control, both from a crop competition point of view, but more importantly from the potential seed return.

“The message for early spring is the weeds you see in the crop right now are the ones that you are targeting; the ones that germinate later and later are less and less of a threat to the crop, and less and less of a threat in terms of ongoing seed return,” he advised.

“For growers there’s naturally a tendency to think I’ve got this weed that germinates through the season, I’ll wait until every last individual has emerged to target my application timing.

“In fact, we can now see quantitively that you would be better off focussing on rates and timings that get good control of those early germinating weeds, accepting that the smaller number of later germinating weeds may well come into the field. But overall your strategy should be to get that maximum efficacy on early emerging weeds.”

Syngenta field technical manager, Pete Hawkins, advised the advice from the trial for Axial Pro application this season is to target ryegrass and wild oats when they are smaller and actively growing.

“Prioritise fields with larger overwintered weeds and ideally control weeds before fertiliser applications, that will further strengthen their growth.

“Also consider tank mixing with PGRS and appropriate broad-leaved herbicides to save time and make effective use of application windows,” he added.

“And finally optimise application techniques to ensure good coverage of weeds and achieve best possible control.”

John Cussans added: “We need to remember that there is a whole load of grass weeds to manage in the future; not just to focus on black-grass.

“That means we need to look at different aspects of weed biology. Some of these other grass weeds, like wild oats and bromes, have different biological characteristics than black-grass.

“We are repeating the trial this year, where we have added an element of application timing and rates to really complete the whole picture to help growers target these weeds much better.”

Click here to watch a video report of the NIAB grass weed guidance.

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Trading as F & TL Stanier, Zak – who grows 200-240ha of potatoes annually alongside his uncle, Gary Stanier, purchased the Terracast GR granular applicator in February 2022, replacing a hybrid machine.

Zak says: “The old applicator comprised four individual hoppers, all with their own metering systems, connected to one main drive shaft that was driven by a land wheel. Although performing acceptably in dry conditions, when used in wet or heavy soils the land wheel would often pick up additional layers of soil, increasing its width which led to over-application of product. There was no auto-shut off system either, which meant that nematicide was either being under or over-applied at the headland as the tractor made each turn.

“As a competitive, family-owned potato business operating on mainly rented land, we have to be very market driven and keep a close eye on all our costs – including investment in any new machinery. However, we also realised that neither the accuracy nor the overall reliability of the farm-built machine were at the level they needed to be. The eventual decision to go with a Terracast GR that linked into the John Deere’s own Isobus control system to deliver a more even spread pattern of nematicide via a powerful air delivery system was really a ‘no-brainer’.

“With no special modifications required, we front-mounted the Terracast GR on the John Deere 6215 with our bed-tiller rear mounted for even-weight distribution. As we only require nematicide on approximately 30% of our fields, the Terracast GR can easily be uncoupled from the John Deere, with our Philip Watkins weight block remaining in place to maintain the correct overall weight balance.

“The Terracast GR is compatible with the John Deere’s own guidance system so there was no requirement for us to utilise the Techneat electronic rate controller. The Isobus functionality also means we can now receive instant application data fed back live to the farm office, detailing when the nematicide was applied, the amount, and the total area applied making application recording effortless.

“The new applicator is easy to calibrate and delivers granular nematicide into the furrows accurately, via a flexible number of fishtail outlets spread evenly across the full width of a 3.6m boom. The fishtails are currently positioned every 300mm providing double overlap and even distribution as we have enough outlets for an eventual move to a larger 5.4m boom.

“Auto-shut off at the headland – a significant problem under our old system – is now all done automatically, with the Terracast GR’s auto-shut off synchronised to the field boundaries already stored in the John Deere’s guidance system that has mapped all our fields. This takes all the guesswork away and the operator is free to concentrate solely on the positioning of the tractor as it makes the turn.

“Despite currently growing all our potatoes under a 2-bed system, the Terracast GR is already set up for our eventual move to a 3-bed system. To complete the set-up, we need only upgrade the machine’s existing 3.6m boom to a 5.4m width boom, adjusting the position of the 12 delivery outlets along the new boom to a 450mm spacing.

“Although the primary reason for investing in the Terracast GR was to improve the level of potato cyst nematodes (PCN) control on a third of our fields, we were fully aware that the machine can also apply starter fertiliser or double as a seeder unit with minimal modifications. Having already successfully completed cover crop trials last year, we now aim to widen the use of the new applicator from autumn 2024 to establish cover crops,” concludes Zak.

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Despite autumn herbicide programmes working well in most crops, spring-emerging weeds are already being spotted by growers. While dense canopies have offered good suppression of weeds and competition so far, recent frosts have begun to open these up, leaving crops exposed.

With a spring flush looming as the mild weather continues to prevail, Corteva Agriscience warned early action may be necessary to keep weeds at bay. OSR category manager Clare Stapley said: “Although crops may be looking great now, spring-emerging weeds are not hard to find.

“Later flushes of cleavers are being seen following autumn herbicides. It is key to control these as they can cause issues at harvest.”

Ms Stapley also reminded farmers to keep an eye out for weed flushes where cabbage stem flea beetle larvae are present, as these can cause crops to open up further.

With this year’s OSR crop already well advanced, growers are advised to begin herbicide treatment as soon as the application window opens and conditions allow. The window for Korvetto, a product recommended by Corteva Agriscience due to its excellent activity on target weeds, opens on 1^st March.

According to the company, Korvetto contains the same active ingredient used in the autumn herbicide Belkar – Arylex Actve – in formulation with clopyralid.

“Korvetto is essential for those growers starting to see evidence of cleavers as it controls them up to 10cm,” Ms Stapley said.

Moreover, she reminded farmers of the importance of taking a proactive approach to weed control this year.

“Acting sooner rather than later is key. Targeting weeds when they are small increases the level of control from the product. And you must apply Korvetto before growth stage BBCH 50, which won’t be too far away for crops which were drilled early and have grown away well.”

As there are no following crop restrictions in conventional rotations, farmers can still use a 1l/ha dose of Korvetto even if they applied a post-emergence herbicide such as Belkar or AstroKerb in the autumn. The herbicide can now also be used in Ireland followings its approval in the country for the first time in 2022.

For best results, Corteva Agriscience recommends farmers apply Korvetto prior to crop canopy closure and before flower buds are visible from above the crop canopy (BBCH 50).

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Corteva Agriscience says crop protection products targeted at eliminating key problem weeds can be applied earlier than usual where active growth can be identified. However, growers are advised to ensure programmes cover the full spectrum of weeds.

“Those who have used cinmethylin-based products for the first-time last autumn will have been predominantly aiming to control blackgrass and ryegrass,” says Alister McRobbie, cereal herbicides category manager for Corteva.

“But it is important to look out for the other key weeds which may already be present or will emerge in the coming days and weeks. Cinmethylin will not control every weed that grows in amongst the crop.”

Met Office data shows temperatures in September, October and November – the key months for winter cereal drilling and emergence – were above the long-term average.

However, December and January saw cold snaps, frosts and localised flooding which has checked some crops.

“The net result is that most winter cereals went in the ground in favourable conditions and emerged well,” Alister says.

“Farmers who avoided the worst of the recent heavy rain and flooding will be pretty happy with how their fields are looking.”

Autumn residuals had the optimum environment to do a good job, but a spring clean of weeds will still be necessary.

Broadway Star is a mainstay of spring weed control programmes and will be among the first products applied if an early opportunity to get sprayers working presents itself in February.

It gives excellent control of brome species, ryegrass, wild oats and a range of broad-leaved weeds in winter wheat and also has approval for use in spring wheat.

“Early applications for sterile brome control will benefit from tank mixing with pendimethalin to provide some residual control where there is potential for further germination,” Alister added.

Broadway Star also controls a range of difficult broad-leaved weeds, including cleavers, charlock and cranesbill, so there is usually no need for a broad-leaved weed follow up spray.

The product label specifies a maximum rate of 265g/ha and a single application per crop. It can be used on crops between growth stages 11-32 inclusive.

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Post-em sprays like Atlantis were once the mainstay of grass-weed control in wheat, however, resistance and the shift towards cultural controls and pre-ems have resulted in reduced usage. Nonetheless, they still have a role to play in modern arable agriculture, and Mr Chillcott expanded on the various ways post-ems can benefit farmers.

Q. How many farmers still use post-ems in wheat? 

A: Ten years ago, between 50-60% of the wheat area received an Atlantis-type product containing mesosulfuron. Now, the figure is half that at 25-30%, which is still several hundred thousand hectares of wheat.

Also, the above figure only considers mesosulfuron-based products, while there are other actives such as fluroxypyr and pyroxsulam that are also used for broad-lead or grass-weed control at this time. So overall, post-em sprays are still an important part of weed control but not for everyone in every situation.

Q. What are farmers using post-ems for? 

A: Post-em sprays to control grass-weeds are the final step in the programme after cultural controls and pre-ems. It’s rare nowadays that the post-em is the only spray in the programme. The post-em is the final chance to reduce weed numbers, which can improve yield and, most importantly, cut seed return so there are fewer problems in future seasons.

Weeds such as brome and meadow-grass, as well as northern and western regions with less history of resistance are likely to account for some of the usage. Broad-leaf weeds are also a factor, and many farmers are looking for something with activity on both broad-leaf and grass-weeds so they can do one spray and then focus on disease control and spring drilling.

Bayer campaign manager Tom Chillcott.

Q. Resistance is the main reason given for the declining use of post-ems, what is the current situation with resistance to post-em chemistry?

A: Before giving an overview of resistance, it is important to stress that resistance varies by field and by species. For any farmer controlling weeds, the resistance status on their farm is what matters for planning the herbicide programme. Resistance testing and close monitoring of herbicide performance is essential.

But an overview does give an idea of some of the potential problems farmers might see. In black-grass target-site resistance or RRR enhanced metabolism both significantly affect post-em efficacy on many farms.

For ryegrass control, the situation is a bit different. Two pieces of recent research indicate that post-em resistance is far less common in ryegrass than black-grass. In both pieces of work, around 50% of ryegrass populations sent in by farmers and agronomists were still susceptible to mesosulfuron products. Against brome and annual-meadow grass, however, post-ems still have good efficacy.

Another important point is that herbicide resistance is different to fungicide and insecticide resistance because weed seeds are not that mobile. Just because a field five miles away has a problem, doesn’t mean you do. The resistance status of a field depends on management history and machinery hygiene.

Q. Does Atlantis beat resistance? 

A: Atlantis Star contains thiencarbazone, which is also an ALS-Inhibitor in HRAC Group 2, so it does not radically change the situation with resistance but where weeds are still susceptible it will improve control by 5-10% compared to the next best product.

Where farmers can include a post-em in the programme, it adds another mode of action alongside what they’ve used at pre-em, which will help with resistance management across the rotation.

Q. Apart from resistance, what other challenges are there when using post-ems? 

A: Application timing, conditions, and technique are absolutely essential for post-em performance. For anyone using a post-em, it is worth reviewing best practice because there are so many things to consider.

Active growth and suitable drying conditions and time are essential, otherwise the active will not be taken in by the plant. After that, you need to look at sprayer setup to ensure the maximum amount of active reaches the target.

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Problems with weeds?

Now is a good time to assess the weed situation in growing crops. If you have problematic weeds, and need another weapon in your armoury besides herbicides, hoes can be a very effective mechanical method of reducing the weed burden.

Spring weeding with the TerraBlade from Claydon Drills

The Claydon TerraBlade inter-row hoe slices underneath the crown of weeds growing between the seeded rows. Removing weeds reduces competition for nutrients, mineralises nitrogen and allows light and air into the rows – all of which promote a burst of crop growth.

The best time for TerraBlading is in the autumn and spring when conditions are dry enough for blades to comfortably penetrate the soil beneath the weeds and slice them off without moisture to encourage regrowth. TerraBlade in autumn if the crop is sufficiently developed and continue in spring up to the stage where the crop might be compromised by further passes.

The TerraBlade is available in widths of 3m to 8m with a choice of 125, 150, 175 and 200mm blades to suit different strip till drill row spacings.

How accurate is the TerraBlade? View it in action here.

. . . and the results. Weeds are removed, reducing competition for nutrients and encouraging crop growth.

Warming soils and preparing seedbeds

Warming soil and preparing for seeding near Oslo.

The Claydon Straw Harrow can be used in spring to warm soil, spread straw and prepare ground for seeding.

Generating tilth to germinate weeds and volunteers is another job for the Straw Harrow, reducing competition for nutrients.  It also helps create a uniform crop establishment by spreading chaff and straw evenly across the field and dealing with any thick layers of poorly chopped and spread straw from the combine.  Solid build and design allows it to withstand high operating speeds and turning on the headlands, thereby covering a huge amount of ground in a working day.

The Claydon Straw harrow helps prevent poor establishment caused by poorly chopped and unevenly spread straw.

How well is your land draining?

Drains run clear on the Claydon farm this November, in which 135mm rainfall has been received.

Drainage has a huge effect on yield and attention should be paid to  maintenance and care of old schemes with consideration to new installation if this cannot be avoided. Ditch outlets should be checked and unblocked if they are covered by sediment to prevent systems backing up.

Different crop establishment systems also have different effects on soil structure and its ability to drain. By only moving soil in the rooting and seeding zone, Claydon drilling leaves the natural structure of the soil in good shape.  Whilst the majority of the soil is left undisturbed, any shallow compaction is broken up by the Claydon leading tine which reinstates the water and air balance into the soil providing good drainage so water can get away from the rooting zone. This eliminates ponding through the later autumn and winter period.  As worm numbers increase then aeration and drainage improve allowing the soil naturally to cope with high precipitation.

To learn more about our machinery range please contact your local Claydon dealer.

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As the drilling date for winter wheat approaches, choosing the right control strategy to protect crops from grassweeds becomes ever more important. With production costs remaining elevated, it is paramount that farmers get the most out of their herbicide treatment.

Addressing the difficulties farmers are facing, ADAMA herbicide technical specialist, Dr Bill Lankford, said:

“As part of ADAMA’s remit to provide beneficial solutions to the problems faced by UK cereals growers, we recently commissioned a series of trials to assess the efficacy of two popular pre-emergence herbicide co-packs to determine how effective they are at controlling difficult grassweeds such as black-grass and ryegrass and to determine if their efficacy can be improved with the inclusion of additional tank mix partners.”

The first set of trials assessed the effect of adding pendimethalin to an alconifen plus flufenacet and diflufenican herbicide mix. The results have shown that the inclusion of Anthem (400g/litre pendimethalin) improved black-grass control by reducing heading numbers by an average of 16%, with the benefit ranging from +3% to +26%.

“The same five independent trials also showed that adding pendimethalin as a tank mix partner helped to reduce the variability of black-grass control, with all five trials showing a significant uplift and consistency in protection,” Dr Lankford added.

The inclusion of pendimethalin (right) to a co-pack of alconifen, flufenacet and diflufenican (centre) gave improved black-grass control. Untreated plot (left).

The next set of trials involved adding diflufenican to a tank mix of cinmethylin plus pendimethalin. Again, the combination improved blackgrass control by reducing variability and also delivered a 10% reduction in heading numbers when used against ryegrass resistant to flufenacet.

In his concluding remarks, Dr Lankford said: “What we’ve shown is that the inclusion of an extra active ingredient provides a useful boost to a pre-emergence herbicide co-pack.”

“In a year when fuel and fertiliser costs remain high, and with crop values also remaining elevated, it makes sense for growers to provide crops with the very best levels of weed control, with relatively cheap actives such as pendimethalin and diflufenican offering a viable return on investment.”

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Ensuring plant breeding contributes to a more sustainable future for UK agriculture and exploring how the industry can collaborate to address this challenge, is to be explored at a knowledge exchange event next month.

Plant Breeding Fit for the Future is being hosted by the Soil Association and agri-tech innovation centre, Crop Health and Protection (CHAP) on 12th October 2022 at Aston University.

Delegates will join plant breeding and other agricultural industry experts to discuss and debate priorities and collaboration opportunities, as well as share resources, to ensure UK breeding programmes meet the needs and challenges of the 21^st Century.

The event will feature a wide range of perspectives, with engaging presentations from industry experts such as Professor Tim Benton of Chatham House, Tom MacMillan from the Royal Agricultural University and Paul Gosling of AHDB.

Afternoon break-out sessions will provide an opportunity for delegates to engage in discussion on topics such as traits to support resilience, business models for the 21st century, achieving tailored varieties with limited resources, and the role of populations vs varieties.

Helen Aldis, head of business development farming and land use for the Soil Association, said: “To build resilience into the industry, farmers need to have confidence in a more diverse range of seeds that they can rely on in changing climatic conditions.

“Too often they can be limited to varieties bred to perform well under input-rich conditions, which are not always best suited to farms that wish to avoid or reduce their chemical use.

“Our Innovative Farmers field labs looking at how hop and wheat varieties perform in organic conditions have made a great start to this important conversation, but with changing weather patterns and input prices escalating, now is the time to bring more of the industry together.

“We encourage all growers to get involved with this event where we can share ideas on the plants we may need for a future farming system that is sustainable, resilient and profitable.”

Rather than discuss specific technologies, the conference aims to explore current plant breeding frameworks and future needs in agriculture.

It is hoped that by bringing practitioners, researchers and policy makers together, discussions will help to identify future breeding priorities and the changes required to successfully meet the challenges associated with a more sustainable future for agriculture.

Dr Ruth Bastow, innovation director for CHAP, said: “Plant breeding and the plant varieties we grow play a crucial role in sustainable agricultural systems. This event provides an excellent and timely opportunity to explore future requirements and explore how to maximise and leverage the impact of plant breeding to meet market needs alongside local and global challenges.

“The conference is focused on interaction and networking – we want those attending to feel comfortable to share their thoughts and views on what we need to prioritise, to ensure we have plants which are fit for our future.

“Bringing everyone together should prove an excellent opportunity to identify areas for potential cooperation, foster greater efficiencies and hopefully encourage a more successful transition from breeding programmes to realisation in the market.”

The event is kindly sponsored by the Association of Applied Biologists (AAB) and PBS International.

• Plant Breeding Fit For the Future
• Wednesday 12th October 2022, 09:00-17:00
• Conference Aston, Birmingham, B4 7ET
  Register here.
• Tickets £30 per person including lunch

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