Resistant diamondback moths now capable of surviving winter
A ‘super pest’ moth resistant to a class of common plant protection is now also capable of surviving through the UK’s cold winter conditions, according to new research. Diamondback moth (DBM) caterpillars feed on crops including cabbage, broccoli, swedes and Brussels sprouts, causing cosmetic damage, which could result in the loss of up to 100 […]
Scientists aim to stamp out new horticultural pest
Scientists will pursue cutting-edge microbiology and robotics research in a bid to stop a destructive and abundant pest which is now threatening fruit production around the world. Teams of researchers from the University of Lincoln, UK, will embark on two ambitious new studies with the aim of reducing and ultimately preventing the damage caused by […]
Neonicotinoid emergency use application approved
The NFU has secured the emergency use of neonicotinoid seed treatments providing much needed protection from the pest cabbage stem flea beetle for five per cent of the oilseed rape crop in England amounting to around 30,000ha. The products which farmers will be able to have access to are Modesto (Bayer) and Cruiser OSR (Syngenta). […]
Growing confidence in pulse crop reflected at PGRO AGM and Field Day
The UK pulse industry is looking ahead with growing confidence as the excellent performance and returns for the 2014 crop are carried forward to the 2015 crop and beyond. This was the strong message from Roger Vickers, PGRO Chief Executive, speaking at the organisations’s AGM and Pulse Field Day held at Stubton, Notts. “In 2014, […]
Leatherjacket numbers crash but farmers still advised to check key crops
The most recent survey by Scotland’s Rural College indicates that, after two years of record numbers, Leatherjacket densities have plummeted. However, while this reduces the need for any chemical controls, SRUC experts urge farmers with spring crops planted after grass to monitor growth carefully and to check their soils for signs of the grubs. Leatherjacket […]
CSFB crop losses estimated at 2.7%
CSFB crop losses estimated at 2.7% in HGCA-funded ‘snapshot assessment’ Cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) damage has contributed to estimated losses of 2.7% of the winter oilseed rape (WOSR) area in England and Scotland, according to a ‘snapshot assessment’ report commissioned by HGCA. Based on the period 22–29 September, the estimated 2.7% loss is equivalent […]
Pyrethroid resistance found in cabbage stem flea beetles
Researchers have confirmed that pyrethroid resistant cabbage stem flea beetles are present in the UK. This information is vital for oilseed rape growers who are already sowing crops following this year’s early harvest. Work carried out by Rothamsted Research, as part of HGCA Project 214–0019, shows that knock down resistance (KDR) is found in UK […]
Evolution of a novel organelle in insects
A Toyohashi Tech researcher in cooperation with researchers at RIKEN, Iwate Medical University, Tokyo Institute of Technology, and the National Institute of Genetics, has revealed that aphids synthesize a protein from a gene laterally acquired from bacteria, and the produced protein is transported to an obligate intracellular bacterial symbiont. This is the first report of […]
New research call for slug control
Work by AHDB’s crop divisions has estimated that a lack of slug control products could potentially cost UK crop production £100 million annually. To help sustain UK crop production, AHDB has revealed plans to invest in a programme of slug research by combining £300,000 of levy funds with potentially significantly greater external sources of funding. […]
