Exploring Bio Solutions in Pulses

News - 31.05.23

As part of Agrii’s R&D strategy to develop biological solutions to fill gaps left by loss of conventional chemistry, we have been looking for opportunities to explore new tools and solutions identified at an early stage of development.

To that end, a 2-year project to identify potential bio-stimulants and bio-controls for the management of the following two important challenges in UK Pulse production has started.

Foot-rot in peas which is caused by a complex of soil borne pathogens. The most common pathogens being Fusarium solani, Didymella pinodella and Aphanomyces euteiches either individually or in combination.
Pea and Bean weevil (Sitona lineatus) with a particular focus on control in spring beans.

This project is being co-ordinated by CHAP (Crop Health and Protection), one of the four Agrii-Tech centres.

The other research partners involved alongside CHAP are Warwick Crop Centre and CABI. With Professor John Clarkson at Warwick leading the research on foot rot and Dr Steve Edgington, the biopesticide specialist, at CABI looking pea and been weevil control.Industry partners alongside Agrii are Fargro and Russell Bio Solution Ltd. Both of these companies will be offering bio-solutions for evaluation and development into viable field solutions.

The project has two distinct phases in 2023, with the main focus on lab and greenhouse screening for potential candidates with a view to identifying the two best solutions for each challenge and how they would best be utilised in the field.

As we move in 2024, Agrii will undertake a set of field trials to evaluate the best candidates, best use pattern and demonstrate their potential utilisation.

PGRO are not directly involved in the project but have agreed to sit on the advisory committee, so they are kept in the loop with the project progress and outcomes.