23 Aug 2019

Growers to benefit from brand new strategic centres for field vegetable crops

Field vegetable producers are set to benefit from four new centres established by the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB) that will demonstrate the latest horticultural research in practice.

Launched this year, the Strategic Centres for Field Vegetables will showcase the latest ideas, science and technology to improve integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.

Located across the UK the demonstration sites will specifically focus on carrots, peas, onions and brassicas. They will build on the success of AHDB’s variety trial programme, which has been running for over 20 years, by expanding to incorporate grower-led research trials.

Dr Dawn Teverson, Knowledge Exchange Manager at AHDB, said, “This is a great opportunity for us to show research in practice to encourage the industry to adopt new ideas. And it’s also an important way for us to work in partnership with growers to run demonstration trials showcasing solutions to the issues and challenges that are most pressing for them.”

Trials in the four centres will cover a range of topics to support IPM programmes, including; timing fungicide applications based on disease monitoring and forecasting, testing novel plant protection products, and developing an app to create UK pest distribution maps.

Martin Evans, Managing Director at Freshgro and chair of AHDB’s Field Vegetable Panel, said, “These centres create the perfect opportunity for grower-to-grower learning by allowing us to informally share and discuss our experiences from the current season with each other. “The demonstration trials and events will look at the whole crop management, from nutrients, water use, to pest management and will help the industry improve productivity.”

Growers, seed companies and agronomists will be able to view the trials at open days and events throughout the year. Visit ahdb.org.uk/farm-excellence to find out more.

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