MINUTES OF THE HDC PROTECTED EDIBLES PANEL OPEN MEETING
TUESDAY 11 JUNE 2013 AT STOCKBRIDGE TECHNOLOGY CENTRE,
CAWOOD, SELBY, NORTH YORKSHIRE, YO8 3TZ
Present
Mr Gary Taylor (GT)
Mr Nigel Bartle (NB)
Mr James Bean (JB)
Mr Simon Budge (SB)
Mr Rob James (RJ)
Mr Philip Pearson (PP)
Mr Geoffrey Smith (GS)
Dr Neal Ward (NW)
Dr David Ann (DA)
Mr Derek Hargreaves (DH)
Dr Aoife Dillon (AD)
Dr Jon Knight (JK)
Mrs Bolette Palle Neve (BN)
Dr Debbie Wilson (DW)
ACTION
PE PANEL OPEN SESSION
1. Welcome
2. Apologies for absence
Steve Adams, Chris Hartfield, Gill Wardell, Becky Turner
Semiochemicals presentation from Toby Bruce, Rothamsted
Slides from Toby’s presentation are attached with the minutes.
The panel asked for clarification on whether the development and deployment of traps
would be included in the work as this was not clear in the proposal submitted. TB
confirmed that the proposed project is about identifying the semiochemical, though
creating a trap is something that could be done according to how much time was
required to initially identify the chemical.
DH asked whether the commercial pheromone company would be interested in part
funding the work since they stand to make commercial gain from its outcomes. TB
believed that question had not been asked, and will follow up on this point.
NW commented that a grower focused test of the traps would be essential as part of
any development and TB stated that this was envisaged in the larger original project,
but the current proposal has been focussed down to reduce cost.
DW explained that it is important for the panel to understand exactly what will be
delivered as a result of the funding.
AD asked what the time frame might be from pheromone identification to trap
development. TB informed the group that in a previous Hortlink project a trap was
developed within 3 years and this is now commercially available from AgriSense.
DH asked what the range of the proposed traps was likely to be. TB thought perhaps
20m, but that would require further development.
3. Approval and signing off of Panel minutes from the meeting of 5 March 13
Nigel Bartle asked for his name to be included in the list of attendees at the meeting.
The minutes were accepted as a true record of the meeting.
4. Matters arising from the minutes of 5 March 13
All matters to be covered in the meeting.
5. New concept notes, project proposals and board decisions
GT explained that as he is the industry rep listed for the two proposals he was handing
over the lead to DW and would leave other panel members to contribute to
discussions.
Paper 5.1a - Sweet peppers: Preliminary evaluation of IPM compatible
and control measures for Nezara viridula. Full Proposal
monitoring
The proposal is for an exploratory project looking for best ways to control Nezara
viridula. In terms of likely threat to the UK, Viv Powell had made enquiries with
colleagues in Europe and problems with Nezara were confirmed from Belgium. PP
asked if this pest is likely to be the next ‘Tuta’. This was discussed. It isn’t difficult to
control with insecticides but the problem is that most of the products take out the
biological control agents which then leads to problems with aphids and whitefly. DH
reported that some growers are having to squash the pest as a control measure. The
pest does a huge amount of damage and the plants stop producing fruit. According to
DH it’s a considerable problem for aubergine growers in the Lea Valley. Another pest
that DH has noticed is becoming more of a problem is Lily Beetle. DH commented that
the given the project cost it is better to do the work now rather than waiting for pest to
become a big problem. GT added that identifying the pest is an issue for growers. In
DH’s experience Macrolophus didn’t have any impact on the pest therefore this may
not be worth including in the project.
Given the identification problems initially encountered, it will be important to remind
levy payers of the HDC identification factsheet for the pest when the outcomes of the
proposed project are communicated to levy payers.
Paper 5.1b - Semiochemicals regulating hyperparasitoid behaviour: identification,
characterisation and use to enhance biocontrol of aphids. Full Proposal
Background to the Semiochemical approach had been provided by Toby Bruce at the
start of the meeting.
GT explained that the project is proposed on peppers as a proof of concept but with
likely applicability to a wider range of crops (including outdoor production).
In peppers, the IPM system completely crashes within days once the hyperparasitoids
are present. This is becoming a real problem and means that chemical control
becomes a necessity. Normally the problem occurs around early June.
JK explained that this isn’t really considered a problem in the cereals and potatoes
sectors but this may because it is difficult to see the problem in outdoor crops.
The proposed cost of the project was discussed and this is appreciably higher than
similar projects already underway within the soft fruit sector.
In response to panel suggestions of using project IP to offset the project costs, JK
explained that HDC would aim to retain ownership of the IP. This is not necessarily to
exploit it ourselves but to make sure the product is taken to market rather than left
sitting with a research institute and never taken forward.
The pheromone company IPS have submitted a letter of support for the work and have
outlined that their expertise lies within the formulation of the semiochemicals.
GT asked if this project does all the panel wants it to do. NW commented that currently
the project doesn’t really aim to deliver anything which is of real benefit to the growers
as the development and testing of the trap isn’t included in the programme of work.
DW explained that CGA did not support HDC funding for their sector given the low
priority of the pest. Feedback from the PO sector was that there is insufficient
information about the scale of the problem for their sector and herbs and leafy salad
sectors feel their crop turnaround is too rapid for predators or their hyperparasitoids to
become established. SB added that specific scouting for hyperparasites in their crops
had failed to identify a problem. DH commented that this is a useful product –
especially as the availability of Plant Protection Products isn’t going to improve.
RJ commented that the concept is great but the application it is not structured right and
it is too expensive. DW suggested that the project has been cut back from a larger
programme of work and there may still be elements that could be reduced in order to
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focus the work on grower needs. Panel members were also concerned about the high
level of indirect costs built into the project and suggested that these are incompatible
with the business models that have to adhere to in order to remain viable.
Other funding routes were discussed including cross sector AHDB funding (not
supported by the other crop sectors), BBSRC (not an option as the project has already
been rejected), agri-tech and the proposed follow up project to SCEPTRE.
The panel agreed that there are no doubts over the quality of the science but the
question remains over whether the project is too expensive when the direct outcomes
to growers are considered.
JK suggested that Toby Bruce should clearly specify the different objectives and
individual costs associated.
Action: DW to liaise with TB for greater clarification over deliverables, potential
to reduce project costs and/or understand how the cost break down against
deliverables, and the need for a commitment over a route to market for the final
product. Re submission to the November panel would be an option for a lower
cost project with greater direct delivery to industry.
Paper 5.3. Optimising Nutrient Management in UK Tomato Production systems.
Concept Note
PP explained that as the project stands there is support from TGA. Barry Mulholland
and Tim O’Neill will act as mentors for Lizzie Dobson in the project as they have
significant expertise in this area.
DH commented that the project is also useful in terms of facilitating greater
engagement between Lizzie Dobson and the PE sector.
DA commented that root pathogens aren’t mentioned in the proposal and suggested
asking for this as part of the full proposal.
The panel agreed that a full proposal should be submitted to the November PE panel
meeting. This proposal should include consideration of cost/ benefits, including risks
of yield loss from altering feed recipes, and should also consider root pathogens
alongside the foliar pathogens included in the proposal submitted
6. Studentships, Fellowships and Cross Panel projects
The AHDB Studentship scheme has now been launched. The closing date is 2
August. As part of the call it is possible for panels to put areas of interest on the
HDC website to encourage applications in a certain field, although funding will be
allocated according to quality of the submissions rather than on preference of topic
areas.
The 2013 Studentship Conference focusses on protected edibles and mushrooms.
The Conference takes place on 9-10 September around Evesham and panel
members were encouraged to attend the formal presentations day on 10
September, given the focus this year on protected edible crops. JK added that this
is also an opportunity for panel members to get to know students.
7. Pesticide matters
BN updated the panel on the SCEPTRE project. 2013 disease trials for PE include
tomato Botrytis and cucumber Pythium and Phomopsis. Pest targets include aphid
species on pepper and testing of novel products and IPM compatibilities against
whitefly and spider mites for tomatoes.
The consortium for SCEPTRE has now also been expanded to include representation
for the PE sector by GT and BN added that, looking through the results to date, PE
has probably gained most from SCEPTRE. It is a fine balance between picking new
and novel products to trial against products that already have approval in order to get
more experience with them but the balance seems to be about right. Agrochemical
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ALL
companies have fed back that they see benefits of the project in that they are now
better able to understand the needs of the horticulture sector which should translate to
better targeted delivery from these companies going forward.
In terms of specifics, there have been 2 or 3 had good results from cucumber powdery
mildew trials, one of these products is likely to get approval later this year. The other
two will take longer (only one of these are currently on Annex 1).
GT stated that he believes that SCEPTRE has been one of the success stories.
Thought is now been given to how to follow up on SCEPTRE and this is likely to
include wider ranging crop protection work and will need panel engagement to identify
high priorities . GT asked whether we will taking forward sulphur burners? BN stated
that Belgium is taking the lead on this, but a change in personnel has slowed the
process down.
8. Communication matters
Grace Choto returns to work 2nd July and there will be some overlap between Becky
and Grace after she returns.
The CGA grower seminar/conference will be 16th October. The CGA want to try a new
format for the meeting and HDC will be providing greater assistance with the meeting
than in previous years. Becky Turner is currently working on developing a draft
agenda prior to liaising back with the CGA TC conference working group.
TGA 25th/26th Sept. Similar format to previous conferences. DW and Becky Turner
have worked with Phil Morely and Julie Wooley to develop the agenda which will go to
the TGA technical committee on 19th June.
FEC energy use days 19th and 20th March:- Format was more workshop than formal
presentations and the feedback from delegates was favourable from both the low &
high energy days. The GrowSave team and HDC are reviewing how to take this format
forward and also to encourage higher numbers of delegates, possibly by having a
regional focus to the events.
DH and PP commented that the slide shows developed from the CWG for display in
nursery canteens should be condensed to include images only with the common name
for the pest name displayed within each image. It is assumed that people will then
refer to the CWG for more information.
Action DW to feed these comments back to Becky Turner.
DW
DW will take some of the original images along to the TGA meeting to better illustrate
image quality.
DH and PP agreed that it would be useful to have the finalised slide shows running on
a loop at the TGA and CGA conferences in the Autumn.
DH notes that the images currently labelled as caterpillar damage on cucumber is in
fact French Fly.
ACTION: BT to edit slide show to correct error and also amend the other slides
in line with feedback.
GS felt that there is no need for follow on to the factsheet for r N use in outdoor
babyleaf to indoor production as there is very little area under production.
9. Joint Ornamentals Panel Meeting agenda 5 June 13
Break for Tour of STC facilities, including the LED4CROPS unit Dr Martin
McPherson and colleagues
Lunch
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BT
10. Review of current projects funded by the PC/PE Panel and PE panel strategy
CP 60a: Thermal imaging studentship. The focus is on early detection of disease
through thermal imaging and has focussed on modelling the 3D thermal profile of a
canopy in order to be able to account for the variation in canopy temperature resulting
from the angle of leaves in relation to incident radiation. Thermal image data will be
collected from a commercial nursery in the final year of the project to evaluate the
potential of the algorithms developed to generate useful information that may be used
to trigger action (e.g. spot treatment to prevent later broadcast spraying).
CP 68: Despite difficulties with accessing final outcomes, including determining if the
developed model is in a form that growers could use, there would appear to be some
potential in the model developed and the capability of the modelling approach used
should improve as more commercial data sets are processed. Panel members agreed
that there would be value in developing the work further and JK should liaise with
Warwick University further in order how best to build on the work for the benefit of levy
payers.
CP 88: This studentship is aiming to exploit the responses of insect pests to specific
wavelengths of light in order to assist capture on stick traps. HDC funding for this
project will come to an end in September. Data collected from commercial sites in
2012 was inconclusive and the 2013 experimental results will be required in order to
determine any follow up needed.
CP 085: Light spectrum fellowship. Following preliminary training and work at
Lancaster University, the Fellow, Phill Davis has been interacting with growers across
the HDC sectors either as individual visits or via interaction with grower association
meetings and has also developed contacts with international work in this area e.g,
Arhus University. As the Fellowship funding supports training for the Fellow and his
time, further work packages will require additional funding that Phill will need to
develop proposals for.
PC 299: IPM for spider mites of cucumber and tomato. The final work package is on
hold after the treatment originally chosen for inclusion in the work (Floramite) became
unexpectedly unavailable for commercial use. Three promising products against spider
mite identified within the SCEPTRE project are not yet approved for use and are
therefore not suitable for the final work package within the project which involved trials
on commercial nurseries. One of the treatments is expected to be available for use in
trials in 2014.
PE001a: Mycosphaerella in cucumber. A collaborative project including STC, ADAS
and Worchester University. It tests the approach of using diagnostic information to
inform control strategies and includes disinfectant work as well as testing of a range of
products against the pathogen. After a positive steering group meeting in April, DH
rapidly distributed a technical note to recommend disinfection with Jet 5 between
plantings based on the pattern of spore release identified through the spore trapping
activity. Good clean up has potential to eliminate the need to spray completely. The
final phase of work will take place in 2013 on two commercial sites with spraying
according to predictions from spore traps alongside conventional spray programmes.
It is proposed that programmes will use the new SDHI fungicides showing promise
within SCEPTRE although this will need extra budget allocation to cover the crop
compensation necessary for applying products under experimental approvals. A
request for extra income has also been made by Worcester University in order to
undertake the final phase of work based on the higher than expected inputs to the
project so far.
PE 005: Potential for dual activity from entomopathogenic fungi against fungal
pathogens along with the target pests. Following establishment of suitable inoculation
methods, work in vitro (detached leaves in chambers) suggests potential for
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JK
commercially available (and one as yet unapproved product) to provide some control
against powdery mildew. Work in 2013 is moving into whole plant assessments.
PE 006a: Aphid control in herbs. Concerns about availability of staff to undertake the
work have been resolved. Combinations of predators are being tested within individual
tented systems. As a result of the trials so far, one of the individual biological products
under test which was due to be dropped by the supplier will now be taken forward for
further development.
PE 007: Fusarium soft rot in pepper. Molecular work at Warwick Crop Centre has
now identified which species of Fusarium are responsible for fruit rot. The project has
also identified varietal susceptibility, although associated work evaluating the link
between BRIX and incidence of soft rot failed to identify a relationship. Detailed work
on humidity by manipulation micro climate around individual flowers did not identify a
link between incidence and humidity but results were confounded by high levels of
flower abortion. GT suggested that the disease may be seed borne although trapping
with agar plates demonstrated that the spores are everywhere. Tim O’Neill is going
over to Holland to discuss progress with work on the same subject there and HDC will
commission a HDC News article in follow up to this trip if he finds sufficient information
of relevance, he also plans to use the trip to inform the outstanding work planned
within the current project.
PE 009: Tomato Composition studies. Report is in final stages of editing. Genotype
had the biggest impact on concentration of bioactives, although location of UK
production and time within the season of picking also had some influence. The
researchers also noted the remarkably consistent levels of bioactive concentrations
within fruit sampled from different areas of the nursery which is testament to the
reliability of the UK production system. It is harder to be conclusive about differences
between imported and domestic samples because of differences in sampling
protocols.
PE010: Manipulation of microbial community characteristics. This short term project
took the form of a small amount of funding to allow an MSc project to be undertaken
on a commercial site. Data produced did not identify any links between the organic
amendments (which included a compost tea as well as some proprietary products with
soil enhancing claims) and significant changes in the microbial populations of samples
assessed.
PE/PO 011: GrowSave. NB commented that the planned update to the website
(included within this new phase of funding) had resulted in a significant improvement.
Training days on humidity control are outstanding – need a steer on where people
would like those. A study tour is planned for October 2013 in Denmark with a focus on
dynamic control of the environment as well as looking at implementation of biomass
heating. Under separate RDPE funding, FEC are planning a study tour in Canada in
September with particular focus on CO2 recovery from biomass systems.
FV/PE 410: Lettuce best practise for disease control. The work was summarised
during the STC tour earlier in the meeting.
FV/PE 337a: Control of clubroot spores in trays for Brassica & lettuce propogation.
JB reported that the project has concluded but that the results suggest that the
treatments necessary to guarantee spore kill are not practical for commercial
implementation (the spores require too long at too high a temperature for a viable
system to be implemented).
PC302a-d: Control of Tuta absoluta. The programme of work has identified a
combination of strategies to assist control compatible with IPM. The current and final
phase is pulling these separate strategies together and testing them out in combination
on UK sites with different growing systems.
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PO 012: AD outlined issues occurring within the project and summarised way forward
agreed with the project steering group. The original concept of testing the longevity of
influence of the Jasmonic acid seed treatment remains of interest to the panel. DA
stressed the need to be sure that the rate loading on the treated seed is cross checked
and verified and that Pat Croft should provide evidence of this validation as part of the
project.
ACTION: AD to liaise with STC to ensure that the validation of rates of JA
applied is undertaken and evidenced.
AD
Discussion followed about contractor quality.
DW commented that the PE strategy update is needed but the grower association
strategies are also currently under review and will need to be accommodated in the
updated strategy for the panel. GT questioned if the strategy update undertaken by
BT in 2012 which reflected more recent brainstorming was accounted for in the
document circulated with the panel papers as this did not tally with the date of the
document (I,e, strategy for 2010 – 2013).
ACTION: DW to check the position with the PE panel strategy document with
Becky Turner.
DW
AOB
DW outlined an approach from Gibert Shama (Loughborough University) who wanted
to know if the panel would be interested in a new method for exposing plants to UVC
to enhance endogenous defence. The new application method involves pulsing UVC
and can be applied in a shorter time frame than more conventional mercury lamp
methods. The panel agreed support for inviting Gilbert Shama to the next meeting to
provide a presentation on this topic.
As time had been short within the meeting, it was agreed that the review of PE panel
strategy will be undertaken as the first item on the agenda at the next meeting.
Next meeting in FEC.
Close of PE Panel open meeting
Distribution
Mr Gary Taylor
Mr Nigel Bartle
Mr James Bean
Mr Simon Budge
Mr Rob James
Mr Philip Pearson
Mr Geoffrey Smith
Dr Neil Ward
Ms Gill Wardell
Dr Steve Adams
Dr David Ann
Mr Derek Hargreaves
Prof Nigel Paul
For information electronic copy:
Mr Neil Bragg
Dr Bill Parker
Dr Jim Dimmock
Mrs Grace Choto
Dr Aoife Dillon
Dr Jon Knight
Dr Becky Turner
Dr Debbie Wilson
AHDB Horticulture – Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2TL
T: 0247 669 2051