Biological insecticides and fungicides are set to take a greater role in crop protection programmes but getting the most from what they have to offer without compromising yield and quality remains a work-in-progress. To support growers in their desire to make the most of what biologicals can contribute, Bayer will share learnings from its product research and application trials to promote understanding and best practice.
“Grower understanding with macro biologicals such as predatory insects is well-developed, but bringing in novel insecticides and fungicides without negatively affecting populations of beneficials is still more of a challenge. It is here where we believe that Bayer has information it can share with growers,” says Claire Matthewman, Bayer campaign manager for horticulture.
Delivering the lessons learned in a seminar at the Fruit Focus forum will be Jack Hill, roots and horti commercial manager for the UK, and Richard Prankerd, commercial technical manager, both of whom have first-hand experience of seeing biologicals used in commercial situations.
The findings will draw on experience from the Netherlands where the use of biologicals covers more crops and on a greater scale than in the UK. These lessons will be complemented with experiences from the UK to understand what results can be expected and how practices should be refined for the future.
“In many situations, success begins with appropriate placement and application of the product as well as a consideration of which products to apply before and after according to the situation. We have valuable lessons to share and can make a valid contribution to promoting the sustainability of fruit production systems across the UK,” adds Ms Matthewman.
Bayer will be located at stand 500 and the Bayer seminar will be held in the Fruit Focus theatre. Visitors should see the event programme for times and other details of the seminars.