The 2018 Pulse Roadshows travelled through the major pulse growing regions in late January and continued PGRO’s association with Syngenta to bring the latest research and agronomy advice to growers, agronomists and all involved with the crop.
Each of the six presentations are now available to download from the PGRO website at www.pgro.org/2108-pgro-syngenta-roadshows.
The Roadshows started with a market overview from Roger Vickers, PGRO Chief Executive, “UK pulses have a strong future: they are sustainable in themselves, they improve long term sustainability of arable cropping, they are environmentally sound and deliver public good – and improve the profitability of the whole rotation. In summary, pulses are ticking all the boxes of the political moment.”
Mr Vickers was followed by two Syngenta specialists – Simon Jackson presented a review of the 2017 season and trials, and Max Newbert focused on the issue of sustainability and the future of insecticides.
The next paper was from Brian O’Loinsigh of Nottingham University who presented his PhD research on Aphanomyces root rot and the growing threat of the disease to pea yields.
The final two presentations were from PGRO technical experts, with Jim Scrimshaw outlining the role of biostimulants and Stephen Belcher examining the influence of bean row widths and density on yield. He also introduced the recently-launched PGRO APP which provides up to date technical backup as well as the Recommended List variety guides and a new interactive pest and disease reporting tool via smartphone or tablet.
“The well-attended Pulse Roadshows have become an annual fixture for growers of field beans and combining peas wanting to catch up on the latest research and agronomy advice from the experts,” added Mr Vickers.
