REVIEW Soft Fruit Improving yield stability in blueberry
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Soft Fruit
REVIEW 2018
Improving
yield stability
in blueberry
SWD - Progress so far Preserving earwigs Delivering the next Malling Centenary
Acknowledgements Foreword
continues. I passionately believe that
If you wish to get in touch with our team this funding is essential to developing
about any aspect of this publication please new and improved genetic resistance
use the following contact details: to pest and disease problems, while
also offering growers opportunities
General enquiries to further increase yields and reduce
hort.info@ahdb.org.uk labour costs by improving fruit
presentation to pickers. Some exciting
Editorial new varieties are emerging from both
Luke Garner programmes. Our involvement with
Technical Writing Manager a number of Innovate UK projects,
luke.garner@ahdb.org.uk which are using genetic techniques
Louise Sutherland to develop ways of overcoming pest
Soft Fruit Panel Chairman and disease problems and improving
Haroon Jabar
Marcomms Senior Manager - Horticulture fruit quality and yield stability, will
Welcome to the 2018 Soft Fruit
haroon.jabar@ahdb.org.uk significantly contribute to the success
Review, which summarises the
of both breeding programmes in the
current research AHDB is funding
long term.
Knowledge Exchange on behalf of soft fruit growers. This
Scott Raffle review should give you a flavour of We continue to develop new ways
Knowledge Exchange Manager – Soft Fruit the excellent results our research of disseminating the results of our
scott.raffle@ahdb.org.uk is achieving across the sector, and research to you each year, while also
if you’d like to delve further into continuing to organise the soft fruit
Design a project you can access the full technical day at East Malling and a
Neil Everitt reports on our horticulture website: dedicated day for fruit agronomists
Graphic Design Manager horticulture.ahdb.org.uk/sector/soft-fruit to learn about our research and
neil.everitt@ahdb.org.uk discuss your research needs. If you
Spotted wing drosophila (SWD)
haven’t had the chance to read it
continues to be one of our principal
yet, I recommend the AHDB Crop
Subscriptions and mailing research priorities. The industry-
Protection Review 2017, which
Vicky Horbury funded SWD project SF 145, of which
provides a comprehensive summary of
Customer Relationship Coordinator AHDB was a major funder, came to an
the breadth and depth of work AHDB
vicky.horbury@ahdb.org.uk end in March 2017 and I am pleased
is carrying out on your behalf on all
to report that it provided us with a
crop protection matters.
Image credits: vast amount of new knowledge which
we have continually disseminated If you’d like notification of our latest
Roger Umpelby – page 20; 22
to you since the project began in events and publications, or want to
Bioline Agrosciences – page 21
2013. Most growers are following the know more about our results, contact
guidance that was formulated from Knowledge Exchange Manager Scott
the results, but there is no single Raffle at scott.raffle@ahdb.org.uk or
measure available to control SWD, so on 01732 876 671.
it’s essential our research continues. I am particularly grateful for the
At AHDB we’ve therefore worked very support I get from all the members
closely with the industry to develop a of the AHDB soft fruit sector panel
new project, SF/TF 145a, to continue who help me to ensure that our
the work on your behalf. We’re also research meets the needs of soft fruit
funding a number of related SWD growers. If you’ve any suggestions to
research projects through our PhD make please contact our Research
This newsletter is
Studentship scheme. All the details Manager Rachel McGauley at
brought to you by AHDB
can be found in this publication. rachel.mcgauley@ahdb.org.uk or
For more information contact: In parallel, we continue to fund other on 02476 478 768. Alternatively,
AHDB Horticulture crop protection research, primarily contact me or any of our panel
through our five-year programmes on members (contact details can be
Stoneleigh Park found on page 4).
strawberry pests (SF 156), strawberry
Kenilworth diseases (SF 157) and cane fruit I wish you a successful production
Warwickshire pests and diseases (SF 158). These season in 2018.
provide a structure to allow us to
CV8 2TL continue researching solutions to
T: 024 7669 2051 problems such as western flower
E: comms@ahdb.org.uk thrips, aphids, powdery mildew,
W: horticulture.ahdb.org.uk
strawberry crown rot, Verticillium wilt There is no single
and raspberry root rot, while the new
@AHDB_hort AHDB SCEPTREplus project offers a measure available to
mechanism of researching new and
emerging crop protection products for control SWD, so it’s
controlling some of these problems.
Our funding of the East Malling
essential our research
Strawberry Breeding Club and UK continues
Raspberry Breeding Programme
2 AHDB Soft Fruit Review
Contents
INTRO AND UPDATES 17 Seeking alternative solutions to 25 Early stress detection in strawberry via
Phytophthora root rot thermal imaging
4 Meet the team
18 Compatibility between SWD and spider
What we do and how you can get in touch mite control in
WEED CONTROL
5 Communications raspberry 25 The search for new blackcurrant
herbicides
Updates on the latest publications available
p19 Refining herbicide screen for use in
to you
recently planted cuttings
6 Fruit Agronomy Day
7 New projects GENETICS
An introduction to our latest projects 26 Delivering the next Malling Centenary
Membership of the East Malling Strawberry
CROP PROTECTION Breeding Club
10 Latest crop protection news
27 On the trail to an improved raspberry
EAMUs secured in 2017
UK raspberry breeding programme
PESTS AND DISEASE
12 SWD research – the progress so far
p28
Understanding and developing methods
for managing spotted wing drosophila in
the UK
19 Testing nematodes against blackberry
13 Surviving with all your mite
leaf midge
electing predatory mites that can survive
S
20 New research into potato aphid control
insecticides required for SWD control
21 U
nderstanding the side effects of crop
14 Exploiting SWD activity for control spraying
Identifying viral pathogens required for the on predatory mites
control of SWD, and exploiting its activity 21 Developing traps and thresholds for
patterns in the field blackcurrant sawfly
15 Supplementing Neoseilus cucumeris Development of a pheromone trap for
for WFT control monitoring blackcurrant sawfly
New predators as bio-control agents 22 Preserving earwigs in blackcurrants
of western flower thrips on protected
Distribution of earwigs in blackcurrant 29 Resisting root rot in raspberry
strawberry
plantations
Using genomics technology to determine
15 Predicting fruit damage from WFT
Improving integrated disease management
CROP MANAGEMENT mechanism of resistance to Phytophthora
root rot in raspberry
in strawberry 23 Counteracting high EC in bag grown
strawberries 29 Understanding the causes of crumbly
16 Detecting hidden Phytophthora fruit in raspberry
infection in strawberry Improving the consistency of fruit quality
in substrate-grown June-bearer strawberry 30 Developing genetic resources in
16 Assessing biocontrol agents for blueberries
varieties
strawberry powdery mildew control
31 Improving yield stability in blueberry
17 Improving diagnostic capability for 24 Imaging sensor solutions for soft fruit
Verticillium wilt Imaging sensor solutions for high
The advancement and optimisation of phenotyping and monitoring of abiotic
integrated pest and disease management and biotic stresses for premium variety
in cane fruit production systems production
© Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board 2017. This publication reports on the findings
of AHDB-funded research projects only.
While the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board
Although it reports on the use of pesticides,
seeks to ensure that the information contained within this
it is not intended to endorse or recommend
document is accurate at the time of printing, no warranty is
the use of any of the products or active
given in respect thereof and, to the maximum extent permitted
ingredients listed. Only products officially
by law the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board
approved for use as plant protection products
accepts no liability for loss, damage or injury howsoever caused
should be applied to control pest, disease and
(including that caused by negligence) or suffered directly or
weed problems. Before using any pesticides,
indirectly in relation to information and opinions contained in or
growers should refer to the product approval
omitted from this document.
and label recommendation and seek guidance
All rights reserved. from a BASIS qualified consultant.
3
Contacting AHDB Horticulture
Soft fruit growers are currently served by Vivian works on AHDB’s minor use Scott Raffle
Research Manager Rachel McGauley, programme and is responsible for applying (AHDB Knowledge Exchange Manager)
Knowledge Exchange Manager Scott Raffle, for and securing EAMUs to help growers 01732 876671 (scott.raffle@ahdb.org.uk)
and Crop Protection Manager Vivian Powell. protect their crops. Vivian Powell
Rachel works with the industry to develop Their contact details are listed: (AHDB Crop Protection Manager)
the correct research projects for your needs Rachel McGauley 07793 042 335
and to liaise with scientific contractors who (AHDB Research Manager) (Vivian.powell@ahdb.org.uk)
undertake the work on your behalf. 02476 478768 Haroon Jabar
Scott’s task is to co-ordinate the (rachel.mcgauley@ahdb.org.uk) (AHDB Senior Marcomms
dissemination of the information. They are Manager Horticulture)
supported by an administration team. 07391 402239
(haroon.jabar@ahdb.org.uk)
AHDB Horticulture Panel contacts
Elected members Scientific and Advisory Members
Louise Sutherland (chair), Freiston James Porter, John Atwood,
Associates, Lincolnshire W H Porter, Angus ADAS
07502 035826 01241 852895 01473 823460
(louise@freistonassociates.com) (james@eastscryne.co.uk) (john.atwood@adas.co.uk)
Sandy Booth, Martin Skarp, Neil Boonham,
New Forest Fruits, Hampshire Hall Hunter Partnership, Berkshire Fera
07795 683256 07588 959895 01904 462332
(sandy@newforestfruit.com) (martin.skarp@hallhunter.co.uk) (neil.boonham@fera.gsi.gov.uk)
Salih Hodzhov, James Waltham, Julie Graham,
W B Chambers & Son, Kent Haygrove Growing, Herefordshire James Hutton Institute
01622 842602 01531 633659 01382 562731
(Hodzhov@wbchambers.co.uk) (james.waltham@haygrove.co.uk) (Julie.graham@hutton.ac.uk)
Lindsay Hulme, James Wright, Amy Gray,
E Oldroyd, Yorkshire Whittern Farms Ltd, Herefordshire NFU
01132 822245 07788 588486 02476 858500
(Lindsay@eoldroyd.co.uk) (james@whitternfarms.co.uk) (amy.gray@nfu.org.uk)
Andrey Ivanov, Roger Vogels, Richard Harnden,
Wilkin & Sons Ltd, Essex S&A Produce, Herefordshire Berry Gardens Growers
01621 814407 07772 112514 01892 830495
(andrey@tiptree.com) (Roger@sagroup.co.uk) (rharnden@berrygardens.co.uk)
Ross Mitchell, Graham Moore,
Castleton Fruit Ltd, Aberdeenshire FAST
01561 320409 07738 885820
(ross@castletonfarm.co.uk) (graham.moore@fastllp.com)
Rob Saunders,
HL Hutchinson Ltd
07879 694520
(rob.saunders@hlhltd.co.uk)
David Simpson,
East Malling Services
01732 843833
(david.simpson@em-s.co.uk)
How AHDB Horticulture operates for soft fruit growers
The levy form that you complete for fruit R&D, which the soft fruit sector panel and panel members continually liaise
AHDB Horticulture each year provides manages on behalf of the industry. with growers and with technologists in
us with information, including annual the industry to keep abreast of the latest
The panel is composed of elected grower
turnover, from which your actual levy is and likely problems. This allows the panel
members and technical specialists. The
calculated. The form also asks which to maintain a research strategy, which
elected members decide each year how
crops you currently produce and which ensures that new projects focus on the
the sector’s budget should be spent.
sector you would like your levy allocated highest research priorities.
Research Manager Rachel McGauley
to. From this we make a budget for soft
4 AHDB Soft Fruit Review
Helping support you through the next growing season
AHDB produce a range of materials SCEPTREplus Labour
and resources to help growers tackle SCEPTREplus is a four-year crop
the major issues facing the soft fruit Lean
protection programme to deliver applied
industry research on high priority disease, pest The high cost of labour and the uncertainty
and weed problems. The first trials for over the future supply of workers is
£7.50 where sold soft fruit will look at egg-laying deterrents causing significant concern for growers,
Crop Protectiorneview
An AHDB Grower
supplement
to help control SWD and weed control in particularly in the soft fruit industry.
201
7 rhubarb crops. To address this challenge, AHDB has
To keep up-to-date with the trial’s, visit launched a knowledge exchange
horticulture.ahdb.org.uk/sceptreplus programme to encourage the adoption
of Lean principles into horticulture
We also want your input to shape future trials.
businesses to help improve labour
Please contact joe.martin@ahdb.org.uk
efficiencies.
to let us know if SCEPTREplus could help
address your pest, weed and disease A series of events will be held for growers
challenges. as part of the programme. The next
workshops will be held in March 2018 in
Spotted wing drosophila
Lincolnshire and Lancashire. To find out
ent AHDB Horticu
lture work Regularly updated with new information more and to book a place, visit change to
Your guide to curr help your business
and how it can and research results, our dedicated horticulture.ahdb.org.uk/labour
SWD webpage also contains factsheets,
Horizon reports
22
Latest thinking on
produce hygiene identification guidance and training
AHDB has released a series of
10
role for biopesticides
videos about pest monitoring, assembling
7 Ever-increasing
in long-term trials
Treatments tested
traps, and methods for testing the publications looking at the potential
presence of SWD in fruit. Visit implications for the industry of the UK’s
Crop protection www.horticulture.ahdb.org.uk/swd. decision to leave the EU. The analysis in
Access to plant protection products the new ‘Horizon’ series examines trading
Biopesticides and biocontrol
relationships between the UK and the
The AHDB minor use programme aims The AMBER project, run by University EU post-Brexit, the impact on workforce,
to minimise the impact of losses of of Warwick to help growers improve alongside examining the implications of
plant protection products and to provide the performance of biopesticides, will World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.
alternative solutions for UK growers. be running a series of free workshops Visit www.ahdb.org.uk/brexit
As well as collaborating with in 2018. More information and useful
Nutrition
agrochemical and biopesticide introduction guides to biopesticides can
companies to identify novel products be found at bit.ly/AMBERproject The Nutrient Management Guide (RB209)
for screening trials, the programme was revised by AHDB in 2017. It helps
Videos on how to manage biocontrol
also makes applications to extend the you make the most of organic materials
predators when they arrive on the farm
authorisation for minor use (EAMU) of and balance the benefits of fertiliser use
and how to introduce and manage
existing products. against the costs, both economic and
them in the crop are also available at
environmental. It explains the value of
Growers will continue to receive EAMU horticulture.ahdb.org.uk/biocontrol-videos
nutrients, soil and why good nutrient
notifications as they become authorised management is about more than just the
and we have introduced a new monthly fertilisers you buy; it can save you money
crop protection email newsletter, sharing as well as help protect the environment.
industry developments.
Download from the Apple Store
or Google Play store, or visit
ahdb.org.uk/projects/RB209
FACTSHEET
06/17 To request publications or for queries
Cross Sec
tor
about access to AHDB resources,
please contact comms@ahdb.org.uk
145 tain, NIAB EMR
Project SF Michelle Foun
l of spotted
e, AHDB and
Scott Raffl
t and contro
Managemen phila
wing droso
in the
fruit industries
to the soft and stone
– Figure 1)
phila (SWD
ed wing droso ol it.
d by the spott ge and contr
threat pose monitor, mana
outlines the how best to
This factsheet growers on
guidance to
UK and offers
adults
r for SWD
Figure 2. Monito Drosotraps
using
from March
phila
d wing droso
male spotte
Figure 1. Adult
be carried
test should
ences, the
ts picking comm le of fruits.
Action poin • As soon as sentative samp
otraps pick on a repre nt
h using Dros out at every lations are prese
arly from Marc erows. The if SWD popu ensuring
toring regul land and hedg fruit ripening, ol products
• Start moni ularly in wood will • From early mended contr
(Figure 2), partic it is that SWD use recom ucts/ chem istry
the more likely in the crop, met and prod
wild habitat, trap contents intervals are er of
dens er the winte r. The each that harvest maximum numb
there over the replaced on mindful of the and do not
exhaust
have survived ly and the bait is rotated. Be a prod uct
tored week permitted for reaches a peak
.
should be moni applications s of the pest
sion e population before
occasion. traps for preci these befor fied advisor
ler disposable the BASIS quali
the use of smal season to delay guided by a
• Consider early in the • Always be products.
around crops For maximum prote ction ring
monitoring s into the crop. applying crop measures ensu
of SWD adult strict hygiene
movement four weeks. st, maintain including all
ge these every • During harve every fruit from the crop,
efficacy, chan , two Drosotraps of and any that
have
fruit crops the removal overripe fruits
and other stone positioned within the crop diseased or
• In cherry be damaged,
should also early leaf stage the ground.
per hectare perimeter from dropped to shou ld be
s inside the t SWD into
the
affected by
SWD
about 10 metre known to attrac fruit and any hours at 14°C
in a
nectaries are caught in the • All wasted at least 48 may be
when floral ers of SWD an enclosed for Longer times
rd. Chec king the numb nce and gain completely to kill larvae.
orcha for their prese ic pallet bin
to monitor tactics are
working. sealed plast eratures.
traps will help contr ol at lower temp adults,
of how well necessary tive to SWD
understanding should be to be attrac
per hectare still likely the soil.
the two traps waste is porated into
fruit crops, start to swell
. • The fruit d and incor
• For soft fruits ld be sprea
stage when so it shou
erected at the should use
the
, all growers larvae in
begins to ripen presence of
• As the fruit to check for
every week
flotation test
fruits.
developing
5
Latest crop protection news
Fruit agronomists briefed on latest AHDB options for canker and powdery mildew in no substitute for getting out into the field
research at NIAB EMR apples and fruit pollination by solitary bees. to view the research in progress, rather
than hear about the work in a PowerPoint
Over fifty industry agronomists had the Soft fruit agronomists were updated on
presentation. I congratulate the AHDB in
opportunity to view the current AHDB- current spotted wing drosophila research,
changing the arrangements for this year’s
funded fruit projects and discuss future strawberry powdery mildew control, new
event. Our own agronomists, who also
research requirements at an event at NIAB approaches to spider mite control in
attended, welcomed the opportunity to
EMR, Kent in September. raspberry and a new monitoring device for
discuss current problems in the field with
western flower thrips and their predators.
Michelle Fountain, researcher at NIAB NIAB EMR’s scientists and identified a
EMR informed delegates about a new There was also the opportunity to visit number of practical issues and factors,
weevil pest found in pear orchards and the the new NIAB EMR WET (Water Efficient which the scientists can incorporate in their
suggested control options based on its Technologies) Centre which offers a projects as they continue into next year”.
lifecycle. demonstration site for nutrient and irrigation
The latest research was also presented to
management.
Other tree fruit projects presented included growers at the AHDB / EMR Soft Fruit Day
maximising dry matter content of apples to Richard Harnden, Berry Gardens Growers, in Kent on 21 November and presentations
improve storage life post-harvest, control who attended the event said: “There is are available on the event page,
horticulture.ahdb.org.uk/events.
AHDB Bush Fruit Crop Walkers’
Guide now available as an app
Accurately identify and
diagnose pests and
diseases while out in the
field
Take photos and create
reports of affected crops
Log the GPS location of
where pest and disease
symptoms are spotted
Download now from the Apple
Store and Google Play Store
6 AHDB Soft Fruit Review
New AHDB
projects
Five new research and development
(R&D) projects with relevance to the
soft fruit industry have recently begun.
These were approved by the elected
soft fruit panel members and all of
them meet the needs of the latest R&D
strategy developed by the panel. In
addition, a new Collaborative Training
Partnership (CTP) programme of
research has begun in the past year,
which AHDB part funds. Three new
projects have relevance to soft fruit.
SCEPTREplus
Term: April 2017 to March 2021
Project leader for fruit: Jerry
Cross, NIAB EMR
Industry representative for soft
fruit: Roger Vogels, S&A Produce
SCEPTREplus is an AHDB programme
of research designed to assess the
efficacy of new or emerging crop
protection products at controlling pests,
diseases or weeds in the full range
of horticultural crops. It is a four year
programme which will link with other crop
protection projects already underway
and, in particular, it dovetails closely with
the AMBER project on biopesticides.
Specifically on soft fruit, it will link closely
with the existing crop protection projects
on spotted wing drosophila (SF 145a),
strawberry pests (SF 156), strawberry
diseases (SF 157) and cane fruit pests
and diseases (SF 158), providing a forum
to examine the efficacy of products
for controlling some of the pests and spotted wing drosophila behaves in
diseases being researched in these other SF/TF 145a – Development and UK growing conditions and the best
projects. In the first year of SCEPTREplus implementation of season long management and control options
(2017), soft fruit sector related problems control strategies for Drosophila available to growers. This new project
being worked on are spotted wing suzukii in soft aims to further develop our knowledge
drosophila, broadleaf weed and grass and tree fruit of the pest’s distribution across the UK
control in blackcurrant, and annual and Term: April 2017 to March 2021 and its preferred habitats. It will develop
perennial weeds in rhubarb. Project leader: a ‘push/pull’ system using repellents
Michelle Fountain, and ‘attract and kill’ strategies which
NIAB EMR will be refined to provide guidance
Industry representative: for growers. Bait sprays will also be
Marion Regan, Hugh Lowe Farms investigated, using them in combination
Location: NIAB EMR and the with control products to see if they will
James Hutton Institute enhance their efficacy. The opportunity
to prolong spray intervals to maximise
the effect of control products, while
This project is a continuation of the reducing the number of applications,
work done in project SF 145 which will be assessed. Later in the project,
ended in March 2017. This was the work will be done to integrate the use
industry-funded SWD project which of exclusion netting with other control
has already greatly enhanced our options. The results of all of these lines
knowledge and understanding of how of research will be compiled into a year-
round SWD control strategy for growers.
7
the vision systems required by a robot
when it decides which strawberry fruits
CP 170 – Bioinspired vision
are ready to be picked. The work will
CP 171 – The use of highly systems for automated harvesting
take inspiration from insects such as
attractive yeast strains for
controlling Drosophila suzukii AHDBSTUDENTSHIP bees and fruit flies which use visual
cues invisible to humans and which
(spotted wing drosophila) Term: August 2017 to July 2020
tend to be overlooked by engineers.
Project leader: Michael
AHDBSTUDENTSHIP Mangan, University of Lincoln
The student will work closely with
Term: October 2017 to industry partners to collect a novel
Industry representative:
September 2020 image database of fruits and flowers
Harriet Duncalfe, H&H Duncalfe
Project leaders: Matthew at various stages of development
Location: University of Lincoln
Goddard, University of Lincoln, and in different weather, lighting and
and commercial strawberry
and Michelle Fountain, NIAB EMR protected conditions. This will be done
production sites
PhD student: Rory Jones using a specially developed camera
Industry representatives: Harriet which mimics the vision system of
Duncalfe, H&H Duncalfe, and insects. Subsequent analysis will allow
Oliver Doubleday, G H Dean Robotic harvesting of strawberries is an the fundamental methods employed
Location: University of Lincoln aspiration which is still some way from by these insects to be revealed. The
becoming a commercial reality for the results will provide a vision system
strawberry industry. However, this PhD which could be used to drive a robotic
studentship project aims to develop strawberry harvester.
AHDB has been funding research into
spotted wing drosophila (SWD) since
2013 through the industry funded project
SF 145. The work has identified that industry. Plant-based resistance is
SWD populations reach a peak during the only way forward but this requires
CP 173 – Towards a better knowledge of the effector arsenal by
the autumn and early winter months. It
understanding of the biology which pathogens will be recognised
has also shown that ripening fruits tend
and genetics of Phytophthora by the plant. This project aims to
to be more attractive to SWD adults than
rubi and Phytophthora fragariae study in detail the unusual lifecycle
the baits currently used in commercial
monitoring traps. In this project, a PhD AHDBSTUDENTSHIP and disease progression of P. rubi (the
student at the University of Lincoln, which cause of raspberry root rot) and other
Term: October 2017 to March
has identified yeast attractant strains to closely related fruit crop-infecting
2021
other Drosophila species, will test and Phytopthoras. The PhD student
Project leader: Eleanor Gilroy,
identify different species and strains of will develop P. rubi transformation
the James Hutton Institute
yeast as feeding attractants to Drosophila protocols generating transgenic strains
PhD student: Aurélia Bézanger
suzukii. Working in collaboration with that will allow the infection process to
Industry representative:
the entomology team at NIAB EMR, the be closely monitored in real time as well
Richard Harnden,
student aims to use the best attractant as improving upon infection methods
Berry Gardens Growers
strain of yeast in ‘attract and kill’ systems on raspberry to allow better study of
Location:
to reduce the reservoirs of overwintering the roots during infection in resistant
the James Hutton Institute
adult flies after the main cropping period and susceptible cultivars. Using
when populations are highest and when computational analysis, sequences of
no fruits are present to compete with the interest from genomic DNA of P. rubi
yeast bait. The control of raspberry root rot will be identified and assessed to allow
and other Phytophthora diseases us to better understand the current
in soft fruit continues to be a major diversity and population structure of P.
research priority for the UK soft fruit rubi in the UK’s fields/nurseries.
8 AHDB Soft Fruit Review
Collaborative Training
CTP FCR 2017 7 - Optimising CTP FCR 2017 8 - Application
Partnership for fruit the light recipe for maximum of novel machine learning
photosynthesis, yield and quality techniques and high speed 3D
crop research in strawberry vision algorithms for real time
The Collaborative Training Partnership Term: October 2017 to September detection of fruit
(CTP) is a new research programme 2021 Term: October 2017 to September
for UK Horticulture which is jointly Project leaders: Gerard Bishop, 2021
funded by the Biotechnology and NIAB EMR, Simon Pearson, Project leaders: Bo Li, NIAB
Biological Sciences Research Council University of Lincoln, and Paul EMR, and Tom Duckett, University
(BBSRC), the AHDB and innovative Hadley, University of Reading of Lincoln
international businesses. The specific PhD student: Ben Chester PhD student: Jake Bird
programme for fruit crop research is Industry representative: Richard Industry representative: Richard
led by Berry Gardens Growers Ltd. on Harnden, Berry Gardens Growers Harnden, Berry Gardens Growers
behalf of an industry consortium which Location: University of Lincoln Location: University of Lincoln
collaborates with its principal academic
partner NIAB EMR. The programme
aims to deliver high quality research
projects while concurrently training The strawberry market within the UK This project relates to project CP 170 in
the next generation of researchers to continues to grow but we are importing that the research will aid the development
support the horticultural industry in the an increasing volume of fruit during of a robotic strawberry harvester.
UK. In 2017, three CTP projects began the winter months. The UK has an The main objective is to deploy novel
which have direct relevance to the soft opportunity to produce greater volumes machine learning technologies to detect,
fruit industry. of fruit during the winter but this requires locate and measure (size and colour)
glasshouse technology combined with fruit. Researchers from the University
This project relates to Project SF/TF modern supplementary lighting systems. of Lincoln have previously developed
145a and will build upon a number of There is an ongoing interest in the similar systems for broccoli. This earlier
ongoing research projects at NIAB EMR application of LED lighting systems in work showed that 3D cameras could
and NRI investigating novel control modern glasshouses as these provide be deployed in field environments, but
methods for spotted wing drosophila an energy efficiency gain of circa 30% the algorithms were highly complex with
(SWD). It will provide the basis for an over conventional high-pressure sodium relatively slow processing speed. The
IPM control strategy targeting D. suzukii, systems. They also offer opportunities to new challenge for this PhD project will be
suitable for commercial growers of provide highly defined spectral outputs to minimise processing requirements to
stone and soft fruit. The research will to maximise productivity. However, these identify fruit while maximising processing
optimise attractants and repellents and opportunities have yet to be realised. We speed and recognition fidelity.
their deployment in order to provide the do not currently understand the optimal
control. The integration of several control spectral qualities for strawberry or any
methods to form a push-pull system is other crop, how these change through
a novel idea for this pest and will lead production and how they affect the key
to a significant reduction in the use of agents (photosynthesis/radiation capture/
traditional crop protection products. partitioning etc.) of yield and quality.
Improved understanding of the insect’s This PhD will examine these issues and
olfactory sense and searching behaviour develop optimal strategies for the use of
will provide the scientific basis for the LED lighting in soft fruit production.
development of the push-pull system.
9
Latest crop protection news
Growers often refer to crop protection Basic substances are defined as ‘active are currently available to prevent a pest,
as the ‘bread and butter’ work for substances, not predominantly used as a disease or weed from causing significant
AHDB. Soft fruit marketing and plant protection product but which may economic damage to a crop. To achieve
producer organisations have many be of value for plant protection and for this, we have developed very good
‘in-house’ capabilities to deal with which the economic interest of applying for links and working relationships with the
technical challenges and set up their a full approval may be limited’. Our crop Chemicals Regulation Directorate (CRD),
own breeding programmes and quality protection managers continually work with agrochemical manufacturers, the EU Minor
control/assurance schemes to address scientists, industry bodies and growers to Uses Co-ordination Facility, overseas
these. However crop protection research keep abreast of substances which offer regulatory bodies and other foreign minor
and development requires wide-ranging potential in crop protection so that we can use facilities such as the USA’s IR-4
skills, expertise and experience which is submit applications for authorisations. programme.
often beyond the budget or capability of
Our projects In the past year, AHDB Crop Protection
individual grower groups.
SCEPTREplus is an AHDB programme of Manager Vivian Powell and Knowledge
AHDB has been set up with a structure Exchange Manager Scott Raffle have
research designed to assess the efficacy of
which allows us to commission such worked tirelessly with the soft fruit industry
new or emerging crop protection products at
expertise and experience to cater for and, in particular, SWD Working Group
controlling pests, diseases or weeds in the
the needs of the whole industry and we Chair Harriet Duncalfe, to secure EAMUs
full range of horticultural crops. It is a four
currently employ Crop Protection Research and emergency approvals to help us
year programme which will link with other
Managers Vivian Powell, Bolette Palle- gain control of spotted wing drosophila
crop protection projects already underway
Neve, Spencer Collins and Joe Martin to (SWD). They worked in close collaboration
and in particular, it dovetails closely with the
manage the vast portfolio of work we fund with CRD who have been particularly
AMBER project on biopesticides.
on crop protection for all of the horticultural understanding of the difficulties facing
sectors. AMBER (Application and management of the soft and stone fruit industry and who
biopesticides for efficacy and reliability helped us to secure products at a time
This portfolio of work has been
– CP 158) is a five year project being led in the season when growers were most
comprehensively reported in the 2017
by Dave Chandler, a Microbiologist and in need. Important examples of products
AHDB Horticulture Crop Protection Review
Entomologist at Warwick Crop Centre. In secured in 2017 include the emergency
magazine which was published and
essence, it aims to find out what’s causing 120-day authorisations for Benevia on
distributed in August 2017. Extra copies
some products not to work as well as outdoor and protected strawberry, Tracer
can be procured by contacting
they should and what growers can do on outdoor strawberry, Exirel on outdoor
hort.info@ahdb.org.uk. The particular
to improve that. The focus is on certain and protected blueberry and Exirel on
activities of greatest interest to soft fruit
commercially available biopesticides and outdoor and protected raspberry and
growers are our Gap Analysis, Basic
on a select number of pests and diseases blackberry – all for the control of SWD.
Substances, SCEPTREplus, AMBER
on crops representing a variety of types.
project and EAMU programme. “We are greatly indebted to staff at CRD
The early results will be turned into a set
Our latest Gap Analysis was conducted in of general principles that can then be for the help and co-operation we received
2016 when we conducted a comprehensive transferred and tested on other crops later in securing emergency authorisations for
survey of the pests, diseases and weeds in the project. Visit bit.ly/AMBERproject SWD control in 2017,” commented Vivian
that growers are trying to contain. This Powell, AHDB Horticulture.
EAMUs
enabled us to pinpoint the gaps in the Growers and grower groups who have
measures available for controlling them and Perhaps best well known to growers is concerns about impending losses of crop
hence where we should be focussing our the continual energy we expend in our protection products should contact the
research and development or knowledge quest to secure new approvals, EAMUs AHDB Horticulture crop protection team
exchange work. and emergency authorisations for crop on EAMU@ahdb.org.uk or email
protection products to fill the gaps, where vivian.powell@ahdb.org.uk
no alternative products or control measures
10 AHDB Soft Fruit ReviewEAMUs secured in 2017
A list of the key products which have been delivered through AHDB activity in 2017
are found in the table below. (Please note that some of these approvals will have
lapsed by the time of printing this publication.)
Product Active ingredient EAMU No. Crops Target pest/disease
Trianum P Trichoderma harzianum 3431/16 Permanently protected bush fruit Fusarium Pythium,
strain T22 Rhizoctonia
Trianum P Trichoderma harzianum 3433/16 Permanently protected cane fruit Fusarium Pythium,
strain T22 Rhizoctonia
Trianum P Trichoderma harzianum 3434/16 Permanently protected strawberry Fusarium Pythium,
strain T22 Rhizoctonia
Talius (12752) proquinazid 0210/17 Protected strawberry Powdery mildew
Shark carfentrazone-ethyl 0378/17 Outdoor and protected strawberry Polygonum weeds
Amistar azoxystrobin 0895/17 Outdoor and protected cane fruit Powdery mildew
Amistar Top azoxystrobin + Full approval Outdoor and protected strawberry Strawberry blackspot
difenoconazole
Tracer spinosad 1238/17* Outdoor strawberry SWD
K&S Chlorofume chloropicrin 1316/17 Outdoor strawberry, raspberry and Verticillium wilt, Pythium,
blackberry free living nematodes
K&S Custo-Fume chloropicrin 1318/17 Outdoor strawberry, raspberry and Verticillium wilt, Pythium,
blackberry free living nematodes
Exirel 10SE cyantraniliprole 1488/17* Outdoor blueberry SWD
Exirel 10SE cyantraniliprole 1508/17* Outdoor raspberry and blackberry SWD
Decis deltamethrin 1516/17 Outdoor rhubarb Aphid, capsid, caterpillar,
cutworm
Benevia 10 OD cyantraniliprole 1559/17* Outdoor and protected strawberry SWD, blossom weevil
Luna Sensation fluopyram + Full approval Protected strawberry Botrytis
trifloxystrobin
Envidor spirodiclofen 1600/17 Outdoor and protected strawberry Two-spotted spider mite
Exirel 10SE cyantraniliprole 1655/17* Protected blueberry SWD
Exirel 10SE cyantraniliprole 1656/17* Protected raspberry and blackberry SWD
*denotes article 53 authorisation for 120 days
AHDB and CRD staff attend a liaison meeting to discuss EAMUs.
11SF 145 - Understanding and
developing methods for managing
spotted wing drosophila (SWD) in
the UK: Vital research to maintain
the viability of the UK fruit industry
Term: April 2013 to March 2017
Project leader: Michelle Fountain,
NIAB EMR
SWD Research – The progress so far
Shortly after spotted wing drosophila IPM programmes; and to assess the that SWD will have survived there over
(SWD) was first identified in the UK effectiveness of a range of control the winter. The trap contents should
in 2012, SWD Working Group Chair products. be monitored weekly and the bait
Harriet Duncalfe collaborated with Results replaced on each occasion
AHDB, Defra, East Malling Trust, British ●● Consider the use of smaller disposable
Summer Fruits and The Worshipful The industry has learned a great deal
about SWD through this project, but we traps for precision monitoring around
Company of Fruiterers to set up AHDB the outside of crops all year round to
Project SF 145. The four year project have highlighted that effective control
requires the integration of a range reduce the winter population and to
was led by Michelle Fountain of NIAB delay the movement of SWD adults
EMR in conjunction with Alison Dolan of management techniques. Further
research is necessary and AHDB has into the crop in the Spring/Summer
of the James Hutton Institute and period. For maximum efficacy, change
David Hall of the Natural Resources commissioned project SF/TF 145a which
began in April 2017, full details of which these every four weeks
Institute at the University of Greenwich.
can be found in the ‘New Projects’ ●● In cherry and other stone fruit crops,
The project section of this publication. two Droso traps per hectare should
The research had five main objectives, As a result of project SF 145, the also be positioned within the crop
which were: to understand the scientists working on the project drew about 10 metres inside the perimeter
distribution and seasonal population up the following basic guidance for all from early leaf stage. Checking the
dynamics of SWD in and around UK soft soft and stone fruit growers to help them numbers of SWD caught in the traps
fruit farms; to develop treatment and effectively manage the pest: will help to monitor for their presence
disposal strategies for affected waste and gain an understanding of how well
fruit; to develop ways of sampling fruit ●● Start monitoring regularly from March control tactics are working
for the presence of SWD; to develop using Droso traps, particularly in
woodland and hedgerows. The denser ●● For soft fruit crops, the two traps per
a synthetic lure and attract and kill hectare should be erected at the stage
technology for SWD to use within the wild habitat, the more likely it is
when fruits start to swell
12 AHDB Soft Fruit Review●● As the fruit begins to ripen, all growers ●● Always be guided by a BASIS ●● The fruit waste is still likely to be
should use the flotation test every qualified advisor before applying crop attractive to SWD adults, so it should
week to check for presence of larvae protection products be spread and incorporated into the
in developing fruits ●● During harvest, maintain strict hygiene soil or mixed with other organic waste
●● As soon as picking commences, the measures ensuring the removal of (at least 90% w/w)
test should be carried out at every every fruit from the crop, including all For more comprehensive information
pick on a representative sample of damaged, diseased or overripe fruits about monitoring traps, how to set
fruits and any that have dropped to the them up, where to locate them, how to
●● From early fruit ripening, if SWD ground monitor them and how to test for the
populations are present in the crop, ●● All wasted fruit and any affected by presence of larvae in the fruit, Visit
use recommended control products SWD should be completely enclosed horticulture.ahdb.org.uk/swd
ensuring that harvest intervals are met for at least 48 hours at 14oC in
and products/chemistry is rotated. Be a sealed plastic pallet bin to kill
mindful of the maximum number of immature stages of the pest. Longer
applications permitted for a product times may be necessary at lower
and do not exhaust these before temperatures
populations of the pest reaches a peak
SF 153 – Selection of strains of
predatory mites that can survive
applications of insecticides required
for SWD control
Term: April 2014 to March 2017
Project leader: Jean Fitzgerald,
NIAB EMR
Surviving with all your mite
Over the past 20 years, soft fruit of a range of important pests and are kill 50% of tested individuals) for lambda-
growers have increasingly relied on considered ‘native’ species for authorisation cyhalothrin after 48 hours was 0.17 field
introduced predatory mites to control for any subsequent use on non-glasshouse rate, for cyantraniliprole it was 2.2 times
pests, such as two-spotted spider mite, crops. field rate and for spinosad it was 3.6
western flower thrips and tarsonemid Results times field rate.
mite. Integrated pest management For N. cucumeris, it wasn’t possible to
(IPM) programmes have been refined Early work exposing A. andersoni and N.
cucumeris to fresh residues of field rates derive an LD50 for lambda-cyhalothrin,
and less reliance has been placed upon but the LD50 after 48 hours for
traditional crop protection products of spinosad (Tracer) showed that this was
only moderately harmful to both predators cyantraniliprole was 0.5 times field rate
for these pests. However with the and for spinosad was around field rate.
arrival of SWD, growers have had to but exposure to fresh residues of 0.1
increase their reliance upon traditional times field rate of lambda-cyhalothrin These results suggest that for both
control products given the lack of (Hallmark) was highly damaging to species some predatory mites are likely to
effective biocontrol measures for SWD. both species. It was therefore hoped survive field rate applications of spinosad
Products used to control SWD have the to develop strains of mites with greater and cyantraniliprole. However, growers
potential to disrupt IPM and biocontrol tolerance to spinosad, but it wasn’t should guard against relying solely on
programmes for mite and thrips pests, possible to rear sufficient numbers of these products for SWD control as this
so if predatory mites could be found A. andersoni or N. cucumeris under will significantly increase the risk of the
with resistance to products being used laboratory conditions to achieve this. pest developing resistance to them over
to control SWD, then IPM programmes The work programme was therefore time.
would be unaffected. amended to provide growers with more “Although this project did not succeed in
The project information on the effects of topical developing predatory mites resistant to
applications of lambda-cyhalothrin SWD control sprays, we’ve increased our
The work concentrated on the (Hallmark), cyantraniliprole (Exirel) and knowledge of the survival rates of certain
predatory mites Amblyseius andersoni spinosad (Tracer) on the survival of predators to the most commonly used
and Neoseiulus cucumeris as they A. andersoni and N. cucumeris. For products,” said industry representative
are commercially available for control A. andersoni, the LD50 (dose required to Marion Regan, Hugh Lowe Farms.
13Researcher Bethan Shaw
CP 122 - The identification of
Exploiting SWD activity for control
viral pathogens suitable for the AHDB-funded research into spotted Results
control of Drosophila suzukii in wing drosophila (SWD) has been The circadian rhythm work has already
the UK extensive since the pest arrived in the identified that the most active period for
AHDBSTUDENTSHIP UK in 2012 and many of the results the female SWD to lay its eggs is during
have been presented in this publication the daytime when the outside temperature
Term: September 2014 to
over the years. In addition to the reaches between 25-29.9oC. During the
August 2017
industry funded project SF 145, two cropping months, female D. suzukii display
Project leader: Darren Obbard, PhD studentships have been supported
University of Edinburgh and a preference for egg laying in the warmest
by AHDB, investigating alternative and part of the day, typically early afternoon.
Jerry Cross, NIAB EMR novel topics. However, when temperatures exceed 30oC
CP 142 – Enhancing the control The projects egg laying is greatly reduced. Periods of
of the soft- and stone-fruit pest activity appear to be in the morning and
Drosophila suzukii (spotted wing Bethan Shaw, who had previously worked
with Michelle Fountain’s entomology group late afternoon with very little movement or
drosophila) by exploiting its egg laying at night. Bethan Shaw has also
activity patterns in the field at NIAB EMR focussing on SWD research,
is studying a PhD under the joint leadership been investigating the optimum laboratory
AHDBSTUDENTSHIP of University of Southampton and NIAB parameters such as social housing and
Term: October 2015 to EMR. The research project is examining environmental conditions with the aim of
September 2018 the behavioural and physiological rhythms producing a standard laboratory practice.
Project leader: Herman Wijnen, of Drosophila suzukii, as determined by its In the virus work, Nathan Medd has so
University of Southampton and internal circadian clock and environmental far discovered seven new RNA viruses
Michelle Fountain, NIAB EMR cues. It is hoped that this will reveal the unique to SWD along with a host of other
times of day when SWD is most active in viruses which, although described first in
the crop, allowing growers to time control other fly species, regularly infest UK SWD.
sprays to coincide with this. Techniques have been developed to isolate
Nathan Medd is working under new viruses, to test their pathogenicity and
the supervision of Edinburgh University applicability as biological control agents.
Female D. and NIAB EMR to investigate viruses “We have discovered a host of viruses
specific to SWD which might be used
suzukii display for the development of microbe-based
infecting D. suzukii in the wild. This is
exciting because many of them are new
a preference biopesticides which would be compatible
with all the other IPM programmes already
to science and may potentially contain
untapped potential as biological control
for egg laying used by soft fruit growers. agents. Isolation and production of viruses
as viable crop protection products is
in the warmest “The industry needs SWD research to
follow up every line of enquiry to find a difficult but, unlike 40 years ago when the
first viral control agents were developed,
part of the day combination of control measures to contain
we now have biotechnology on our side,”
this pest and both of these projects are
usefully complementing the industry said Nathan Medd, student researcher on
funded project SF/TF 145a,” explained project CP 122.
Marion Regan, Hugh Lowe Farms.
14 AHDB Soft Fruit ReviewSF 146 – New predators as
Supplementing Neoseiulus cucumeris
bio-control agents of western flower for western flower thrips control
thrips on protected strawberry
Term: April 2014 to March 2017 Western flower thrips (WFT), polytunnels in the UK and are unlikely
Frankliniella occidentalis, is a to be registered soon. Work switched
Project leader: Chantelle Jay, devastating pest of protected to evaluating Neoseiulus cucumeris,
NIAB EMR strawberries and recent experiences Neoseiulus californicus and the predatory
have suggested that existing substrate dwelling mites Stratiolaelaps
biocontrol agents sometimes provide scimitus (formerly Hypoaspis miles) and
inadequate control in hot conditions. Macrocheles robustulus.
WFT feeding on the flowers and N. californicus was shown to offer similar
developing berries leads to bronzing control of WFT to N. cucumeris and
of the fruit, which can cause there was found to be no interspecific
downgrading and – in severe cases – competition between the adult mites.
to crop losses. However, N. californicus is known to
The project prey on two-spotted spider mite in
This project aimed to identify alternative glasshouse crops, and if such alternative
predators not currently being exploited for prey is present, control of WFT may be
WFT control which could be incorporated compromised. Growers need to find out
into a biocontrol programme to replace which Neoseiulus predator they have in
or supplement Neoseiulus cucumeris for their crops; the two species can only be
control of WFT on protected strawberry. differentiated by trained entomologists.
Results The substrate predatory mites S. scimitus
and M. robustulus were found to prey
Initial results from the first year’s work on WFT pupae in soilless substrates and
demonstrated that the predatory mites when combined with the use of predatory
Amblyseius montdorensis, Amlyseius nematodes (Steinernema feltiae), the level
swirskii, Amblydromalus limonicus and the of control was improved, but control was
current commercial standard Neoseiulus not twice the level of that achieved by the
cucumeris are all effective predators of predatory mite alone.
WFT. However these additional species
are not currently registered for use in
Predicting fruit
damage from
western flower thrips
Western flower thrips (WFT) continues to data analysis of the occurrence of both
pose difficulties for strawberry growers in commercial crops has been used to
and serious damage is still found in develop a prototype model to estimate
some crops. Following AHDB and Defra the maximum mean number of WFT in
funded Horticulture LINK projects it was a sample of a given size to ensure the
felt that growers needed more guidance probability of low levels of fruit damage.
on WFT population control. The model is currently being refined.
The project A prototype extraction device using
methyl isobutyl ketone for extracting
The work in project SF 156 has initially N. cucumeris and thrips adults and
focussed on developing a reliable system larvae from plant material has also been
for assessing the numbers of thrips and developed and is now being assessed
predatory mites present in the crop so that commercially.
damage thresholds for various predator/
prey ratios can be developed. Additional Early experiments have been done using
work is being done to assess the potential the new EPF formulation of Met 52 in a
of using entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) laboratory test against adult female WFT.
for controlling the western flower thrips Results show some promise for its use
adults. within an IPM system, if application and
spore retention are good. This product is
Results now commercially available to growers as SF 156 – Improving integrated
Young button fruit were found to be the a foliar spray against WFT in strawberry. pest management in strawberry
most appropriate part of the plant on The work is continuing within this larger Term: April 2015 to March 2020
which to assess numbers of N. cucumeris, five year programme of research on Project leader: Michelle Fountain,
while mid-aged and old flowers are best strawberry pests, part of project SF 156. NIAB EMR
for assessing numbers of adult thrips. A
15SF 157 - Improving integrated
disease management in strawberry
Term: April 2015 to March 2020
Project leader: Xiangming Xu, EMR
Detecting hidden Phytophthora infection in strawberry plants
The principal Phytophthora diseases Results fungi) and PGPR (plant growth promoting
of strawberry cause crown rot and red Survey work in the first year suggested bacteria) on Phytophthora development.
core. Previous AHDB funded research that the incidence of contamination by P. Results suggested that amendment
has identified fungicide and biocontrol fragariae (causing red core) in runners is of compost with both AMF and PGPR
products which offer varying levels very low, but the level of contamination together could reduce severity of red
of control. However, frequent by P. cactorum can reach 25-30%. core development. However, these
applications of control products may Further sampling and screening in year treatments failed to achieve significant
only delay the onset of symptom two therefore focussed on P. cactorum reduction in the development of P.
development, which can often occur and the results agreed with those of year cactorum in inoculated crowns; further
after transplanting young plants into one. The level of infection in runners experiments are needed to confirm this
their final fruiting position. varied greatly between samples and result.
The project could be as high as 20%, detected “Crown rot has been causing significant
The aim of the work in project SF 157 mostly in asymptomatic crowns. The financial losses in strawberry production
is to quantify the extent of hidden level or incidence did not appear to for many years and it’s vital that this
Phytophthora infection in initial planting correlate with particular varieties. work is continued to enhance our
material and identify treatments to reduce Work has also been done to assess the understanding of how best to manage it,”
plant losses due to this. effect of AMF (arbuscular mycorrhizal said Lindsay Hulme, E Oldroyd & Sons.
SF 157 - Improving integrated
disease management in strawberry
Term: April 2015 to March 2020
Project leader: Xiangming Xu, EMR
Assessing biocontrol agents for strawberry powdery mildew control
Strawberry powdery mildew continues Results The lowest incidence was found on
to cause growers a major problem, Two trials were carried out under the standard seven-day fungicide
particularly under protection where protective polythene tunnels, one in a programme. However, Ampelomyces
conditions are often conducive to field soil crop at NIAB EMR and one in quisqualis (AQ10 – currently approved on
infection. Previous AHDB-funded a bag grown crop at ADAS Boxworth. protected strawberry) and a biocontrol
research has helped to develop a They used biocontrol agents (BCA) and agent from Bayer Cropscience (not
model which can predict periods of elicitors, with and without fungicides, currently approved as a plant protection
infection risk, allowing growers to time at 14-day intervals and compared their product) when applied in admixture with
their control programmes to coincide effects to a seven or 14-day interval Silwet were as effective as the standard
with these. More recent AHDB work standard fungicide programme and seven-day fungicide programme.
on other edible crops has highlighted untreated plots. The conditions at When applied alone, these BCAs
the efficacy of at least three biological NIAB EMR were extremely favourable provided better control. There were
plant protection products against for powdery mildew and significant differences in plant vigour between
powdery mildew. treatment effects were detected there, the treated plots, but only those plots
The project but not at the ADAS site. receiving the seven-day fungicide
This project aims to optimise and At NIAB EMR, all the treatments programme were significantly better,
integrate non-fungicide alternatives with assessed reduced incidence of powdery despite the similar incidence of foliar
conventional fungicides in the control of mildew on both leaves and flowers/fruit. mildew symptoms in plots receiving
strawberry powdery mildew. biocontrol products.
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