Fera Science has launched two new industry-driven R&D projects within the Enigma series, connecting partners, such as United Oilseeds, with leading scientists to tackle significant crop threats.
The Enigma IV project is focused on advancing on-farm control of spraing in potatoes, while Enigma V will address Cabbage Stem Flea Beetle (CSFB) issues in oilseed rape, explains Adam Bedford, Enigma projects director at Fera Science. “As with our previous Enigma research projects, we’re uniting growers, agronomists and scientists to address critical challenges facing the agri-food sector, addressing farmer needs.”
Enigma IV
The goal of Enigma IV is to improve predictive diagnostics for Tobacco Rattle Virus (TRV) – a leading cause of spraing, which has been known to damage up to 50% of potato crops.
Mr Bedford explains: “Currently, the standard tests used for detecting TRV in potato seed require huge volumes of soil and take more than four weeks to produce results.
“We want to put spraing control in the hands of potato growers, using research insights to develop an infield diagnostic service that’s more cost-effective with a faster turnaround time.”
He adds: “The ultimate aim is to help growers manage the disease more accurately and minimise crop wastage.”
Enigma V
Meanwhile, the Enigma V research project sets out to arm oilseed rape growers with a more reliable method for managing CSFB.
Mr Bedford explains: “Since the neonicotinoid ban in 2018, growers have had little choice but to rely on pyrethroid insecticides to control CSFB.
“An over-reliance on a limited number of active ingredients has led to resistance issues and control failure – with less than 10% insecticide efficacy in some cases.”
The project aims to transfer the efficacy of combined botanical biopesticide products demonstrated in the laboratory, into practical use in the field, explains Hannah Fenton, senior scientist at Fera and project lead.
“Initial glasshouse trials show that combining pesticides registered for use in horticulture settings with pyrethroids could offer a CSFB control solution with up to 90% efficacy,” she says
“With the support of our project partners, we’re looking forward to evaluating how this method performs when applied to OSR seedlings in field trials.”
