Survey finds reduced sensitivity of apple scab isolates
Surveying of apple orchards across England by Agrii advisers and researchers has revealed a shift in sensitivity to some of the fungicides commonly used to control apple scab (Ventureia inaequalis). The findings do not suggest widespread resistance, but rather the need for effective product stewardship if crops are to be adequately protected in future seasons, […]
Trial finds Secover and Flipper deliver good spider mite control
Secover, a silicone-based foliar spray that is not deemed a plant protection product, delivered sufficient control of two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) for it to be considered as a complement to Kanemite (acequinocyl) in the early stages of the season. Using her BASIS project as an opportunity to trial five acaricides with physical modes of […]
Biologicals offer welcome activity against vine diseases
The difficulties in achieving satisfactory control of diseases such as Botrytis cinerea, powdery and downy mildew in placing increasing strain on crop protection programmes. In response, growers and their advisers are looking to other forms of protection – both cultural measures and fungicides approved in other crops – to protect yields and quality. For Agrii, […]
Agrii adviser is the first fruit adviser to gain a graduate diploma
Long-term fruit agronomist Gary Saunders has become the first non-arable adviser to gain the Harper Adams University graduate diploma in agronomy with environmental management. A member of the Agrii fruit team since 2014, Gary has specialised in fruit since completing the BASIS diploma in crop protection after graduating from Wye College with a BSc (hons) […]
Are biologicals about to deliver on their promise?
Biological crop protection agents have been heralded as the future of pest and disease control for more than a decade, but for many early adopters the experience left them underwhelmed. Fortunately, the strong performance of several products, such as Serenade ASO (Bacillus subtilis strain QST 713), Sonata (Bacillus pumilus strain QST 2808) and, more recently, […]
Thatchers Case Study: Celebrating the vintage, embracing the future
Somerset farmer William Thatcher made the first ever Thatchers cider at Myrtle Farm in 1904. Today, the farm continues to honour traditional varieties, as well as leading the way in cider innovation with its extensive variety trials. From humble beginnings to iconic brand As was the tradition in the early 1900s, Myrtle Farm – a […]
