AHDB Horticulture Soft Fruit Agronomist s Handbook A Guide to Current Soft Fruit Research and Communications

Transcription

1 AHDB Horticulture Soft Fruit Agronomist s Handbook 2016 A Guide to Current Soft Fruit Research and Communications

2

3 Contents Section Page Introduction 1 Current soft fruit projects 3 Summary of crop protection projects which began in Some other new projects 15 Other AHDB Horticulture projects of interest to the soft fruit sector 19 EAMUs secured for the soft fruit industry in the last year 29 Publication order forms - Soft fruit - Tree fruit - Field vegetables - Protected edibles - Protected ornamentals - Hardy nursery stock - Bulbs and outdoor flowers

4

5 Introduction AHDB Horticulture (formerly HDC) was set up in 1986 to collect a levy from commercial horticultural producers to fund near market research projects to find solutions to growers ever changing production problems. Since then, the soft fruit sector has worked collectively through the Soft Fruit Panel to ensure that our levy has been spent wisely, thus profiting from the research we have funded. One significant problem AHDB Horticulture faces each year is ensuring that its levy payers are fully aware of the useful results that emanate from the projects that they are funding. There are currently 25 soft fruit research projects in progress. AHDB Horticulture reports on the progress of all its projects in the AHDB Grower magazine as well as through press releases, presentations at conferences and on the AHDB Horticulture website. However, most growers are so busy throughout the year producing their crop and seeking to satisfy their customers numerous demands that many don t make time to avail themselves of such information. It is for this reason that we now produce a Soft Fruit Review magazine to provide abbreviated summaries of the progress being made in the full range of projects being undertaken by AHDB Horticulture on soft fruit. In so doing, it is hoped that growers can quickly assimilate all of the important information emanating from the research. In addition, AHDB Horticulture must rely upon agronomists that work with fruit growers on a daily basis to help to disseminate the results of the projects by word of mouth. To this end, we have organised an AHDB Horticulture Fruit Agronomists Day to ensure that all agronomists are fully briefed on the current projects, important results to date and useful information and products which are developed from our research. To complement this day, we have produced this short handbook which will provide agronomists with a useful reference guide to AHDB Horticulture research on soft fruits. I hope you find the handbook to be a useful aide memoir during the coming season. Scott Raffle AHDB Horticulture Knowledge Exchange Manager 1

6 2

7 Current Soft Fruit Projects (February 2016) Project no. SF 35c SF 41d SF 96a SF 139 SF 140 SF 144 SF 145 SF 146 SF 147 SF 148 SF 152 SF 153 SF 154a SF 155 Title Duration Contractor Industry representatives Scottish raspberry breeding programme Trialling summer fruiting raspberry varieties and advanced selections in soil Membership of the East Malling Strawberry Breeding Club Semiochemical control of raspberry cane midge Control of potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae) on strawberry in spring Early detection of stress in strawberry plants using novel image analysis techniques (Studentship) Understanding and developing methods for managing spotted wing drosophila (SWD) in the UK: Vital research to maintain the viability of the UK fruit industry New predators as biocontrol agents of western flower thrips on strawberry Development of a sex pheromone monitoring trap for gooseberry sawfly Understanding the scale and importance of raspberry leaf blotch virus and its association with raspberry leaf and bud mite Improving the consistency of fruit quality in substrategrown June-bearer strawberry varieties Selection of strains of predatory mites that can survive applications of insecticides required for SWD control Blackcurrants: refining herbicide screen for use in recently planted cuttings Imaging sensor solutions in the soft fruit industry for the high throughput phenotyping and monitoring of abiotic and biotic stresses for premium April March 2024 March 2013 March 2017 June 2013 May 2018 April 2013 March 2016 April 2013 March 2016 April 2014 March 2017 October 2013 March 2017 April 2014 March 2017 April 2014 March 2017 March 2014 February 2017 April 2014 March 2017 April 2014 March 2017 October 2015 October 2016 October 2014 September 2017 Nikki Jennings (JHI) Janet Allen and Harriet Roberts (ADAS) Adam Whitehouse (EMR) Jerry Cross (EMR) Michelle Fountain (EMR) Andrew French (University of Nottingham) Jerry Cross (EMR) and Alison Dolan (JHI) Chantelle Jay and Michelle Fountain (EMR) Michelle Fountain (EMR) Stuart MacFarlane (JHI) and Harriet Roberts (ADAS) Mark Else and Eleftheria Stavridou (EMR) David Buss (EMR) Mike Hutchinson (Hutchinsons) Julie Graham (JHI) Ross Mitchell (Murray T Mitchell) Salih Hodzhov (WB Chambers & Son) Marion Regan (Hugh Lowe Farms Ltd) Ross Mitchell (Murray T Mitchell) Andrew Reeve (BR Brooks & Son) Marion Regan (Hugh Lowe Farms Ltd) Marion Regan (Hugh Lowe Farms Ltd) Marion Regan (Hugh Lowe Farms Ltd) Richard Stanley (Stanley & Pickford) Seth Walpole (RW Walpole) Laurie Adams (Hall Hunter Partnership) Marion Regan (Hugh Lowe Farms Ltd) James Wright (Whittern Farms) Peter Thomson (Thomas Thomson Blairgowrie Ltd) 3

8 SF 156 SF 157 SF 158 SF 159 SF 160 SF 162 SF 163 SF 164 CP 90 variety production and maximised yields (TSB) Improving integrated pest management in strawberry Improving integrated disease management in strawberry The advancement and optimisation of integrated pest and disease management in cane fruit production systems Winter chilling in blackcurrant: adapting to climate change, through the development of technologies for improved dormancy release following insufficient chilling (Innovate UK Project) Improving yield stability in UK blueberry production (Innovate UK Project) Development of a pheromone trap for monitoring blackcurrant sawfly Developing genetic resources in blueberries (Innovate UK Project) Using genomics technologies to determine the mechanism of resistance to Phytophthora root rot in raspberry for future breeding applications to raspberry and other crops (Innovate UK Project) Succession planning to sustain the UK s expertise in field and laboratory plant pathology research and development (EMT/HDC/HTA Fellowship) April 2015 March 2020 April 2015 March 2020 April 2015 March 2020 January 2015 December 2018 October 2015 September 2020 March 2015 March 2018 July 2015 December 2016 July 2015 December 2016 October 2011 November 2016 Michelle Fountatin (EMR) Xiangming Xu (EMR) Erika Wedgwood (ADAS) Emma Skipper (EMR) Julie Graham (James Hutton Institute) Michelle Fountain (EMR) and David Hall (Greenwich NRI) Julie Graham (James Hutton Institute) Julie Graham (James Hutton Institute) Angela Berrie (EMR) Marion Regan (HLF), Laurie Adams (HHP), Roger Vogels (S&A), Richard Harnden (Berry Gardens) Marion Regan (HLF), Sandy Booth (New Forest Fruits), Lindsay Hulme (E Oldroyd), Seth Walpole (RW Walpole) Marion Regan (HLF), Salih Hodzhov (WB Chambers), Ross Mitchell (Castleton Fruit), Richard Stanley (Stanley & Pickford) Rob Saunders (Hutchinsons), Alex Cooke (Agrovista) Ross Mitchell (Castleton Fruit) Rob Saunders (Hutchinsons) Lindrea Latham (Total Worldfresh) Peter Thomson (Thomas Thomson, Blairgowrie) Andrew Tinsley (HDC) CP 122 The identification of viral January 2015 Darren Obbard Jon Knight (HDC) 4

9 CP 106 pathogens suitable for the control of Drosophila suzukii in the UK (HDC Studentship) Precolonisation of strawberry runners and tray plants with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to manage Verticillium Wilt (HDC Studentship) December 2017 October 2013 September 2016 (University of Edinburgh) Xiangming Xu (EMR) Marion Regan (Hugh Lowe Farms Ltd) 5

10 6

11 Summary of Crop Protection Projects which Began in 2015 SF 156 Improving integrated pest management in strawberry Term: April 2015 to March 2020 Project leader: Michelle Fountain, EMR Project collaborators: Keele University, CABI, Natural Resources Institute, Harper Adams University, ADAS, Fera Industry representatives: Marion Regan (Hugh Lowe Farms), Laurie Adams (Hall Hunter Partnership), Roger Vogels (S&A Produce), Richard Harnden (Berry Gardens) Location: East Malling Research Background This project will address the main pest problems reported by the UK strawberry industry, except for spotted wing drosophila (SWD), which is covered in other projects. The major target will be western flower thrips (WFT) which is now resistant to insecticides so that control must rely on non-pesticide methods of control. More accurate monitoring methods for WFT for use by growers will be developed and biological approaches to control of WFT with predatory mites and entomopathogenic fungi will be optimised. Programmes to minimise the effect of insecticides used against other pests such as SWD on these biocontrol agents will be developed and the possibility of using pesticide-resistant predatory mites will be investigated. Non-pesticidal methods based on trapping will be developed for sporadic pests such as capsid bugs and strawberry blossom weevil. Insecticide use against more persistent pests, such as potato aphids will be rationalised to be more compatible with IPM approaches. The programme builds on previous research by members of the consortium who are the leading UK scientists working on these approaches. On-going communications with the industry with timely and rapid dissemination of successful approaches will ensure the project has a high chance of transforming pest control on strawberry in the UK. The overall project aim is to increase the efficacy of existing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) measures and explore new and emerging controls for the most damaging strawberry pests whilst maintaining control of spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (SWD), thus enhancing the growth and profitability of the UK strawberry industry. Efficacy testing of pesticides for control of strawberry pests is not included as it will be covered in the new IMPRESS project. The specific objectives are to: 1. Develop effective biological methods for managing western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (WFT), compatible with pesticide use against SWD. 7

12 1.1. Improve the reliability of biocontrol of WFT with predatory mites, particularly Neoseiulus cucumeris Develop effective approaches to use of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) for control of WFT Investigate more effective predators for WFT. 2. Refine pest control programmes on strawberry, integrating pesticides with phytoseiid mites. 3. Develop IPM compatible controls for European tarnished plant bug, Lygus rugulipennis, common green capsid, Lygocoris pabulinus, and strawberry blossom weevil, Anthonomus rubi. 4. Improve insecticide control of the potato aphid, Macrosiphum euphorbiae, so as to be more compatible with IPM programmes. Progress As part of Objective 1, early work has been done to develop grower-friendly methods for estimating western flower thrips numbers and populations of Neoseiulus cucumeris predator populations in relation to fruit damage, and to develop predator-prey thresholds for interpreting relative populations. Initial results confirmed what had previously been suggested, that when monitoring for adult WFT, it is best to select flowers of medium age (all petals present, pollen shed) from the top of the plant. However, to make a reasonable estimate of the number of N. cucumeris present, it is more effective to sample the button fruit. It is thought that growers may be underestimating numbers of N. cucumeris in their crops by assessing numbers present only in flower samples. Work has been done to develop a more effective and reliable monitoring technique for WFT and N. cucumeris. It was demonstrated that both can be extracted easily from plant samples in the field using the solvent methyl isobutyl ketone (MIK), which could potentially be developed as a monitoring technique. Prototype monitoring devices were constructed and further work on this will continue. Further work assessed if the use of Calco Red to stain N. cucumeris in culture makes them more easily visualised in the field. It proved possible to stain the gut of the predatory mite, but the dye did not appear to be taken up into the body of the mites. Further work is needed to confirm these results. If the staining proves to be permanent rather than transitory, any possible negative effects of the staining on predation and fecundity of the mite will be assessed. Work to develop effective applications of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) for controlling WFT has not made the progress that was hoped for in the first year and some experiments will have to be repeated or amended in In Objective 2, to refine control programmes integrating pesticides with phytoseiid mites, work was done to assess the safety and compatibility of some commonly used fungicides with N. cucumeris. Many of the fungicides assessed have been previously thought to be harmless to phytoseiid mites such as N. cucumeris, but 8

13 some recent studies have suggested that this may not be the case. Work was done to further investigate this and it was found that some fungicide programmes were having an adverse effect on N. cucumeris populations. Each trial treatment was applied three times at seven day intervals. Significant reduction in N. cucumeris numbers were found following repeated applications of Nimrod/Teldor and Systhane/Signum tank mixes. It should be noted that it was only after the third application that significant differences in phytoseiid mite numbers were found. Hence, small cumulative impacts on N. cucumeris populations might be significant over time. It is also possible that the compounds in tank mixes combine synergistically, so that the effect is greater than that of each individually, but this needs to be confirmed. In summary, these results suggest that fungicides can have a detrimental effect on predatory mite populations and this effect may be increased by repeated applications. SF 157 Improving integrated disease management in strawberry Term: April 2015 to March 2020 Project leader: Xiangming Xu, EMR Project collaborators: ADAS, University of Hertfordshire Industry representatives: Marion Regan (Hugh Lowe Farms), Sandy Booth (New Forest Fruits), Lindsay Hulme (E Oldroyd), Seth Walpole (RW Walpole) Location: East Malling Research, ADAS Boxworth and University of Hertfordshire This five-year research project involving multiple partners will develop and implement strategies to manage key strawberry diseases: Phytophthora (crown rot and red-core), powdery mildew, fruit rot complex and wilt. The central focus of this project is to optimise and integrate non-fungicide alternatives with conventional fungicides. Furthermore, methods of improving spray coverage in tunnel crops will be studied. For crown rot and red core caused by Phytophthora spp. the project will focus on quantifying the extent of hidden infection in initial planting materials and identifying treatments to reduce plant losses due to these hidden infections. Research on powdery mildew centres on the integration of nutrients and resistance inducers with reduced fungicide input. For fruit rot complex, the integration of biocontrol products with reduced fungicides will be investigated, along with post-harvest handling to reduce fruit rot and/or delay rot development. For wilt control, the emphasis is on the use of anaerobic soil disinfestation and addition of beneficial bacteria to improve soil health. Finally, the pathologists will collaborate with entomologists (in the corresponding pest project) to identify ways to improve spray coverage. The research results will help growers to achieve better disease control without over reliance on fungicides. The overall aim is to develop and to implement strategies to manage key strawberry diseases: Phytophthora (crown rot and red-core), powdery mildew, fruit rot complex, and wilt. The central aim of this project is to optimise and integrate non-fungicide alternatives with conventional fungicides. 9

14 The specific objectives are to: 1. Quantify the extent of asymptomatic Phytophthora infections in relation to nursery sources and cultivars. 2. Quantify the effect of various alternatives (including biocontrol products, salts, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria [PGPR], nutrients and plant resistance elicitors) on various pathogens infecting above or below ground. 3. Integrate alternative products (as determined from objective 2) with reduced fungicide input in commercial strawberry production. 4. Develop better spraying techniques based on crop canopy structure and growth stage in order to improve spray coverage and gain better disease control. 5. Proposed research is divided into five workpackages (WPs), each dealing with one specific disease problem, not necessarily specific to one objective. Progress The work is a collaborative effort between EMR and ADAS, led by Prof Xiangming Xu of EMR. Dr Avice Hall of the University of Hertfordshire is acting as a scientific consultant, especially on the aspect of optimising the delivery of silicon-related nutrients to manage powdery mildew. In addition to co-ordinating this project, EMR is mainly responsible for conducting experiments on determining the extent of asymptomatic infection of Phytophthora in initial planting materials, on optimising control measures against powdery mildew, crown rot, red-core, Mucor & Rhizopus rot, and wilt. ADAS focuses on the management of powdery mildew, and soil treatment to control Verticillium wilt problems. For Phytophthora diseases, main tasks in the first two years include (1) developing protocols for simultaneous detection and quantification of P. cactorum and P. fragariae; (2) obtaining representative crown and root samples from different growers; and (3) using molecular methods to detect the presence of P. cactorum and P. fragariae and, if present, to genotype the strains with molecular markers and analysing the data in relation to the nursery origins. For powdery mildew, the main tasks in the first two years are (1) testing plant resistance inducers in small replicated plot tunnel experiments, focusing on the integration of these products with reduced input of fungicides; (2) scaling up the application of silicon in a large tunnel crop, particularly application frequency; and (3) investigating whether exposing strawberry roots to short pulse of UV lights would induce plant resistance to mildew. 10

15 Research on Verticillium wilt focuses on lab studies on the effect of ASD on the survival of Verticillium microsclerotia, and on field experiments on the effects of several alternative non-fumigant products in reducing wilt and improving plant growth, including PGPR and by-products from anaerobic processes. We have successfully carried out research work planned for the 2015 season and data are currently being analysed. SF 158 The advancement and optimisation of integrated pest and disease management in cane fruit production systems Term: April 2015 to March 2020 Project leader: Erika Wedgwood, ADAS Project collaborators: EMR, Fera, University of Worcester Industry representatives: Marion Regan (Hugh Lowe Farms), Salih Hodzhov (WB Chambers & Son), Ross Mitchell (Castleton Fruit), Richard Stanley (Stanley & Pickford) Location: ADAS Boxworth, East Malling Research and commercial sites This ADAS led five-year programme will advance and optimise integrated management of key pests and diseases in cane fruit. The work will integrate innovative laboratory research into practical on-farm techniques to increase the resilience of the UK cane fruit industry to pest and pathogen attack. The project consortium represents leading UK research scientists and cane fruit specialists with expertise in the development, testing and implementation of on-farm IPM strategies. The overall aim of the project is to advance and optimise on-farm integrated management of key pests and diseases of cane fruit. The specific objectives are to: 1. Investigate the infection process of Phytophthora rubi to inform the use of alternative or supplementary means to the use of chemical plant protection products for reducing the level of root rot in raspberries. 2. Develop and maintain IPM approaches to successfully control two-spotted spider mite whilst controlling spotted winged drosophila (SWD) and capsids with insecticides. 3. Develop and combine novel and current IPM approaches to successfully control blackberry leaf midge; 4. Establish cane management approaches on a model crop to optimise IPM strategies and spray penetration into canopies; 11

16 5. Disseminate research results to growers and translate research outputs into practical ready to use techniques for immediate uptake on farms. Progress In Objective 1, to improve control of Phytophthora in raspberry, a series of initial investigations have been carried out. In initial work to elucidate whether more susceptible varieties create greater attraction for P. rubi zoospores than more resistant varieties, it was found that the isolates of P. rubi tested do not behave in the same way regarding sporangia production and zoospore release in vitro as other common Phytophthora species in the UK. This work will continue in Work was done to determine if selected elicitors and nutrients have a detrimental effect on P. rubi infection. This was done in laboratory tests on agar plates. Initial results showed that the beneficial fungi in the biocontrol agents Prestop and Root Grow HYDRO each significantly reduced the spread of P. rubi mycelium of two isolates in agar plate tests, and T34 Biocontrol caused some reduction to one isolate. The fungicide Paraat gave control at 1ppm and above, but Fenomenal did not kill the P. rubi up to 10ppm. The bacterial biocontrol agent Serenade killed P. rubi at 10ml/L of agar. The plant extract Reysa only killed P. rubi at the highest concentration tested of 100 ppm, although growth was slowed at 10 ppm. Horti-Phyte did not kill P. rubi at 10 ppm or less and initially allowed some mycelial growth of P. rubi at 100 ppm, although the mycelium was dead after 11 days. Insimmo had no effect on P. rubi up to the concentration of 100 ppm tested. A trial was also started to determine whether non-conventional products (microbial and plant stimulants) have the potential to maintain and potentially improve plant establishment and root health of raspberry plants when applied from propagation onwards. The application of treatments to raspberry modules from root establishment had not given the plants any visible or measurable benefits to the roots or shoots within their first six months. However, during this time they were under careful management and not subjected to the stresses that they are likely to experience as mature plants through the confining of a large root system in a pot and the production of tall shoots and many fruits. In addition, there were no pests or diseases present. The products may have built up plant resistance to future stresses. The Phytophthora work will continue in In Objective 2, to develop and maintain IPM approaches to successfully control two-spotted spider mite whilst controlling spotted winged drosophila (SWD) and capsids with insecticides, two investigations began. The first assessed the consequences of SWD control strategies on two-spotted spider mite populations on commercial holdings already dealing with the pest.or other pests such as raspberry beetle or capsid bugs. It considered the disruption to naturally occurring and introduced predatory mites for spider mite control and consequently spider mite populations. 12

17 At Site 1 on cv. Tulameen, low numbers of P.persimilis (released by the grower), A. andersoni and N. californicus (naturally-occurring) survived an application of Calypso on 8 June for raspberry beetle control and numbers of spider mite remained stable between 12 May and 17 June. Calypso is also one of the insecticides recommended for SWD control. At Site 1 on cv. Maravilla, low numbers of P. persimilis (released by the grower), A. andersoni and N. californicus (naturally-occurring) survived applications of Tracer on 15, 25 and 29 August and Equity on 24 August and were concluded to have been responsible for the decrease in numbers of spider mites to negligible numbers between 11 August and 2 September. At Site 2 on cv. Kweli, the acaricides Apollo and Dynamec, together with naturally-occurring predatory A. andersoni and N. californicus maintained spider mite populations at low levels. A proportion of the A. andersoni and N. californicus populations survived both the acaricides used for spider mite control, Tracer and pyrethrum applied for SWD and Equity and Calypso for control of other pests. The monitoring results from both sites highlight the important role of naturallyoccurring predatory mites in maintaining spider mite control when applying pesticide programmes for control of SWD and other pests. A second experiment was done to determine the effects of overall canopy spraying verses overhead misting application of a programme of sprays of deltamethrin, spinosad and chlorpyrifos against SWD and naturally occurring predators (A. andersoni, A. californicus) on raspberry and their ability to regulate TSSM. The results are currently being analysed. In 2016, it is proposed to use the same system of overhead spraying, with different nozzles to give a slightly larger droplet size. We envisage that a larger droplet size would give less spray on the underside of the leaves and therefore should provide refuge for the predatory mites and therefore improved control of TSSM. Biocontrol agents such as P. persimilis will also be introduced. In Objective 3, work has begun to develop and combine novel and current IPM approaches to successfully control blackberry leaf midge. In the first year, two experiments were carried out to compare compost drench applied Met 52, spinosad and various nematode species with compost incorporated Met 52. Tracer (spinosad) used as a substrate drench significantly reduced numbers of blackberry leaf midge adults emerging compared with untreated controls in Experiment 1. However, this result should be treated with caution as some of the midge larvae were still alive at the assessment date and may have been too young to successfully pupate and emerge. Met52 EC used as a substrate drench significantly reduced numbers of blackberry leaf midge adults emerging compared with untreated controls in Experiment 1 and was equally effective as Tracer used as a drench. However, in Experiment 2 Met52 EC did not significantly reduce numbers of midge adults 13

18 emerging compared with controls. However, in Experiment 2, Met52 EC was equally effective as Steinernema kraussei which did give a significant reduction compared with untreated controls. Steinernema kraussei (Nemasys L) significantly reduced numbers of blackberry leaf midge adults emerging compared with untreated controls in Experiment 2. Steinernema feltiae and S. carpocapsae did not reduce numbers of midge adults emerging compared with untreated controls and this result is consistent with previous laboratory tests done at Wageningen ( Wenneker et al. 2008). Research in year 2 of the project will include testing of substrate and soil drenches of Tracer, liquid Met52 and S. kraussei (Nemasys L). In Objective 4, work has begun to investigate strains of Verticillium spp. present in UK cane fruit plantations. The key findings to date are; Verticillium dahliae was not detected in young plants from three nursery suppliers. Verticillium dahliae was detected in raspberry and blackberry plant material. There was a relationship between DNA of V. dahliae in the stems and roots although DNA of the pathogen in stem bases was considerably higher. This will inform future sampling strategies. Little DNA was recovered from the soils suggesting the pathogen could be introduced on plant material of survives poorly in soil. Alternatively it could have a very heterogeneous distribution in soil making it difficult to detect even at a local level. Additional pathogens such as Ilyonectria could also be causing plant disease in UK raspberry crops. 14

19 Some Other New Projects SF 155 Imaging sensor solutions in the soft fruit industry for high throughput phenotyping and monitoring of abiotic and biotic stresses for premium variety production and maximised yields (Innovate UK Project ) Term: November 2014 to October 2017 Project leader: Ankush Prashar, James Hutton Institute Industry representative: Peter Thomson, Thomas Thomson (Blairgowrie) Ltd Location: James Hutton Institute Recent advances in genetic technology have helped to speed up the breeding of new and improved cultivars for the soft fruit industry, and corresponding technology is being developed to speed up the process of phenotyping a term used to describe the assessment of the physical attributes of a new variety following its selection in the breeding programme. Recent technical advances have been made in the use of infra-red thermography to screen for physiological characters like stomatal conductance, which is evaluated from crop canopy temperature. Research has also demonstrated a link between canopy temperature and yield and thus suggests that thermal imaging could be a useful screening tool in breeding for high yielding varieties. The aim of this Innovate UK project is to evaluate the use of infra-red thermography as a high throughput phenotyping tool and evaluate the relationship between yield and canopy temperature for the raspberry and blueberry industries. The second part of the project aims to evaluate the relationship between the canopy size and root architecture under glasshouse conditions to establish the role of canopy size on tolerance to root rot by using thermal imaging as a phenotyping resource. If such approaches are found to be successful, such technology could be adopted to further speed up the breeding and selection of improved and higher yielding soft fruit varieties. SF 159 Winter chilling in blackcurrants: Adapting to climate change, through the development of technologies for improved dormancy release following insufficient chilling (Innovate UK Project ) Term: January 2015 to December 2018 Project leader: Emma Skipper, East Malling Research Industry representatives: Rob Saunders, Hutchinsons, Alex Cooke, Agrovista Location: East Malling Research, James Hutton Institute and commercial sites This project addresses the effects of climate change in the UK on blackcurrant production, where the trend towards warmer winters has adversely affected dormancy break and subsequent crop yields and quality, substantially reducing profitability. The use of existing dormancy-breaking treatments, developed for stone fruit crops, will be assessed for their efficacy in blackcurrant, their use optimised and their mode of action evaluated at a physiological/biochemical level. From this, a new improved product for blackcurrant and 'best practice' guidelines for growers can be developed. Additionally, models predicting 15

20 responses to the chilling environment for different varieties will be established and this information will be used to direct the use of dormancy-breaking treatments to improve yield and quality. The project outcomes will directly influence future blackcurrant production in the UK, and will also be of significance regarding similar problems in other perennial fruit crops. SF 160 Improving yield stability in UK blueberry production (Innovate UK Project ) Term: October 2015 to September 2020 Project leader: Julie Graham, James Hutton Institute Industry representative: Ross Mitchell, Castleton Fruit Ltd Location: James Hutton Institute and commercial sites Lack of yield stability is a major problems for UK soft fruit growers, preventing accurate profit prediction and maximisation, causing volatility of UK supply. The problem is now well recognised within the industry, though the causes of significant season to season yield variation are unknown. This project aims to identify the physiological, biochemical & genetic processes underlying yield limitations, thereby identifying causes of the yield volatility phenotype. An examination of the impact of the growing environment and management on yield will be undertaken, to allow development of predictive yield maps and models, that provide frameworks for yield optimisation in the short to medium term. This underpinning knowledge will be transferred to growers and also used to develop molecular markers for yield stability allowing long-term solutions to the problem, thereby future proofing the UK soft fruit industry, particularly blueberry crops with application to other fruit crops. SF 162 Development of a pheromone trap for monitoring blackcurrant sawfly Term: March 2015 to March 2018 Project leader: Michelle Fountain, EMR and David Hall, NRI Industry representative: Rob Saunders, Hutchinsons Locations: East Malling Research, University of Greenwich (NRI) and commercial sites Blackcurrant sawfly (Nematus olfaciens) is a common and frequently damaging pest of blackcurrant, present to varying degrees in all UK blackcurrant plantations. Infestation is sporadic and localised, and damage can occur rapidly. No practical systematic sampling methods or attendant crop damage thresholds have been developed and it is believed that there is widespread unnecessary treatment with crop protection products leading to the risk of residues remaining in the crop. Adequate crop scouting is time-consuming and expensive, and a more sensitive and rapid monitoring method is needed. Pheromone traps could provide such a tool. 16

21 In the recently completed Defra Horticulture LINK project (HL01105), four potential components of the female sex pheromone of blackcurrant sawfly were identified and synthesised. Field tests suggested that three of these compounds were necessary for attraction of males. High catches of males were obtained in some fields and very low in others, confirming the sporadic nature of the pest. This project will aim to optimise the pheromone blend, dispenser and trap and then to calibrate catches in the traps with field populations of blackcurrant sawfly. Factors affecting this relationship, such as the presence of predators and use of crop protection products, will be investigated and thresholds for the two generations estimated. The trap will be made commercially available with a protocol for its use by growers. SF 163 Developing genetic resources in blueberries (Innovate UK Project ) Term: July 2015 to December 2016 Project leader: Julie Graham, James Hutton Institute Industry representative: Lindrea Latham, Total Worldfresh Location: James Hutton Institute Lack of blueberry varieties with high fruit and nutritional quality combined with early and late ripening is a problem facing UK blueberry growers. UK growers are currently planting mixtures of existing varieties, mainly from the USA, but the long term performance, fruit quality, yield and consumer acceptance of these varieties in the UK varies considerably. There has been increased demand for blueberries in recent years, fuelled in part because of their many recognised health benefits. With the availability of more genomic resources, marker-assisted breeding could be used in variety development to more efficiently combine traits for fruit and nutritional quality specific to UK climatic adaptation. This project will therefore develop pre-breeding populations and a high resolution GbS linkage map to allow the UK to develop adapted blueberry varieties efficiently, cost effectively and in a shorter time frame than would be feasible by traditional breeding means. This would allow the UK to produce more home grown fruit for consumption to increase from the 5% UK fruit currently available. SF 164 Using genomics technologies to determine the mechanism of resistance to Phytophthora root rot in raspberry for future breeding applications to raspberry and other crops (Innovate UK Project ) Term: July 2015 to December 2016 Project leader: Julie Graham, James Hutton Institute Industry representative: Peter Thomson, Thomas Thomson (Blairgowrie) Ltd Location: James Hutton Institute 17

22 In the Northern Hemisphere with damper conditions, Phytophthora root rot is causing a rapid decline in raspberry plantations grown in soil and also greatly decreasing the life span of production of raspberries grown in substrate with adverse environmental consequenses. Plant based resistance is the only way forward and limited material exists that consistently withstands infection with few/no symptoms. The development of gene based techniques offers an opportunity to identify genes that have a significant role in this plant-pathogen interaction to determine the mechanisms of resistance and develop novel strategies of protection including breeding. How both resistant and susceptible varieties respond at the level of gene expression and how the pathogen responds to the differing phenotypes will identify gene markers and allow strategies for control to be developed. 18

23 Other AHDB Horticulture Projects of Interest to the Soft Fruit Sector The following table lists those projects that have been funded from budgets outside of soft fruit. It includes projects past and present which will be of interest or are relevant to soft fruit growers and agronomists. The reports of all those that are complete can be found on the AHDB Horticulture website at Funding sector Cross panel Project number CP 1 CP 4 CP 6 CP 10 CP 14 CP 19b Project title A review of peat reserves and peat usage in horticulture and alternative materials A review of chemical disinfectants, soil treatment with formalin and water treatments for controlling plant pathogens Integrated use of soil disinfection and microbial/organic amendments for the control of soil borne diseases and weeds in sustainable crop productions Activity patterns in the western flower thrips and their manipulation to enhance control measures Raspberry: novel approach for integrated crop management in fresh and processed crops The effect of spectral modified filters on invertebrate pest populations Project status Final report Final report Final report Final report Final report Final report CP 32 Value chain analysis project Final report CP 35 The development of methods to alleviate thermodormancy in everbearing strawberry and secure season extension in the UK Final report CP 38 CP 41 An investigation of the sex pheromone ecology of some important midge pests of UK fruit crops A review of peat alternatives for commercial plant production in the UK Final report Final report

24 CP 42 CP 43 CP 48 CP 49 CP 52 CP 53 CP 54 CP 56 CP 57 CP 58 CP 59 CP 60 CP 61 CP 64 CP 71 CP 75 CP 81 Research studentship in the dunnhumby Academy Biosensor array for improved soft fruit quality control Use of potassium hydrogen carbonate for powdery mildew control New opportunities for UK horticultural producers Provision of study of responsibility and cost sharing mechanisms in the quarantine plant health sector The use of sterile insect technique to increase the success of IPM in horticultural crops Rhizobacteria to reduce water use and enhance crop quality What are the implications of Carbon footprinting for UK horticulture? Packhouse cooling & crop storage: a commercial demonstration & economic evaluation of ground sink refrigeration The development of a preselection system for seasonal horticultural labour The development of a champion supervisor model and training programme to improve the selection and training of key staff Combined thermal and visual image analysis for crop scanning and crop disease monitoring Cross-crop benefits: developing crop combinations to promote conservation biological control in horticulture HDC: Development of a water strategy for horticulture A summary report of useful information on soil disinfestation for UK growers A summary report of useful information on irrigation gathered for UK growers Detection and amelioration or rootzone ethylene production in crops Annual report Final report Final report Final report Final report Final report Final report Final report Final report Final report Final report Final report Final report Final report Final report Final report Awaiting first report 20

25 CP 82 CP 84 CP 86 CP 87 CP 89 CP 90 CP 92 CP 95 CP 96 CP 97 CP 99b CP 100 CP 102 CP 105 Discovery and development of new phylloplane biocontrol agents to control insect pests A summary report of useful information for fruit growers on biodiversity Weed control in ornamentals, fruit and vegetable crops Working with the industry to develop the next generation of technical staff for the UK horticulture industry through a Summer Research Programme Maintaining the expertise for developing and communicating practical Integrated Pest Management (IPM) solutions for Horticulture Succession planning to sustain the UK s expertise in field and laboratory plant pathology research and development The role of naturally occurring insect pathogenic fungi in regulating aphid populations on vegetable brassica crops (HDC STUDENTSHIP) Sustainable resource use in horticulture: a systems approach to delivering high quality plants grown in sustainable substrates, with efficient water use, and novel nutrient sources Combined Horticultural Production and Energy Hubs Embedding Masters-level students within the horticultural industry Evaluate the UK Horticultural Industry requirement for on-site diagnostic tests for crop pathogens and their use within Disease Management Systems. Tracking Peat usage in Growing Media Production Integrated Pest Management Scholarships Integrated protection of horticultural crops through Annual report 2013 Final report Annual report Annual report Annual report Annual report Annual report Annual report Final report Final report Final report Final report Awaiting first report Annual report

26 enhancing endogenous defence mechanisms (HDC STUDENTSHIP) CP 106 Precolonisation of strawberry Annual report runners and tray plants with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to manage Verticillium wilt (HDC STUDENTSHIP) CP 111 Study to review Vine Weevil R&D Final report CP 119 Sensor-based pre-symptomatic Awaiting first report detection of pests and pathogens for precision scheduling of crop protection products (Studentship) CP 120 Understanding the impact of Awaiting first report phylloplane biocontrol agents on insects (Studentship) CP 121 Towards precision inputs through Annual report improved understanding of the underlying causes of in-field variation in crop maturity and yield (Studentship) CP 125 Understanding crop and pest Awaiting first report responses to LED lighting to maximise horticultural crop quality and reduce the use of PGRs CP 126 Oomycetes Desk Review Final report CP 129 Biofumigation for pest control Awaiting first report CP 131 PhD Scholarship in sources of Awaiting first report innovation in the fresh produce industry CP 138 Transition to responsibly sourced Awaiting first report growing media use within UK Horticulture CP 139 Commercial review of lighting Final report systems of UK Horticulture CP 144 Developing integrated Awaiting first report approaches for pest and disease control in field crops CP 158 Application and management of biopesticides for efficacy and reliability Awaiting first report Protected crops PC 169 Optimisation of the glasshouse Final report environment in summer using the selective infra-red filter material, Luminance THB, as an internal shade screen PC 170 Protected crops: the potential of Final report spectral filters for pest control PC 197 A demonstration of the use of Final report

27 PC 198 PC 198a PC 216 PC 226 PC 248 PC 256 PC 261 PC 264 PC 265 PC 278 PC 287 PC 296 advanced greenhouse environmental controls for ornamental crop production in the UK An investigation into the performance of modern designs of thermal screens when used in edible crop production The use of thermal screens for energy saving and greenhouse climate management in edible production performance optimisation Derivation of an energy efficiency analysis method for horticulture Scoping study on air movement and CO2 use efficiency in crops Investigation in to the decline curve of a range of pesticides under glass An initial investigation into the potential for using sealed greenhouse technologies in the UK Protected bedding and pot plants: evaluation of western flower thrips control by Atheta coriaria using an on-nursery rearing system Electronic noses as a tool for providing real-time information on crop pests and diseases in cropping An investigation into the technical and financial viability of biomass heating systems for greenhouse horticulture in the UK The development & commercial demonstration of ducted air systems for glasshouse environmental control An investigation into the effects of fluegas quality on the performance of greenhouse crops Examining the lighting requirements for daylength control so as to assess the Final report Final report Final report Final report Final report Final report Final report Final report Final report Final report Final report Final report

28 PC/HNS 255a suitability of energy saving bulbs Biobeds/biofilters for the safe treatment of pesticide waste and washings Final report Protected edibles PE 003 PE 005 PE 023 PE 026 PE/PO 011 PE/PO 013a CO2 enrichment in the future: a technical and economical analysis of alternative CO2 sources Protected edible crops: biological control of plant diseases using insect pathogenic fungi with dual activity against plant pathogens Hormetic UVC treatments for control of plant diseases on edible crops A study to review the scientific literature on the environmental risks of releasing non-native species of bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) for crop pollination Grow Save; an Energy & Resource Efficiency Knowledge Transfer Programme for the PC Sector Refrigeration-based dehumidification: energy performance and cropping effect on commercial nurseries Final report Final report Awaiting first report Awaiting first report Final report 2014 Awaiting first report Hardy nursery stock HNS 68 HNS 119 HNS 125 HNS 133 HNS 137 Container-grown shrubs: underperformance of plants related to rooting behaviour Reducing levels of Verticillium wilt and nematodes in soils using green manure crops Hardy ornamentals: the potential of compost teas for improving crop health and growth Development of the entomogenous fungus Metarhizium anisopliae, for control of vine weevil and thrips in horticultural growing media Evaluation of chemical and biological pre-plant soil treatments for control of Verticillium wilt in field grown trees Final report Final report Final report Final report Final report

29 HNS 139 HNS 143 HNS 147 HNS 157 HNS 158 HNS 185 HNS 195 HNS/PO 188 Control of problem weeds in hardy nursery stock production Development of a banker plant system to improve the biological control of two-spotted spider mite in hardy nursery stock Ornamentals: control of pests, pathogens and weed seeds on re-used plant containers Optimising defoliation in young trees Survey of nutrient run from container beds of Hardy Nursery Stock Nurseries in England Understanding and managing crop protection through Integrated Crop Management Improving vine weevil control in hardy nursery stock Baiting and diagnostic techniques for monitoring Phytophthora spp. and Pythium spp. in irrigation water on ornamental nurseries Final report Final report Final report Final report Final report Final report Awaiting first report Final report Field vegetables FV 225 Integrated control of slugs in horticulture FV 225a Integrated control of slugs in horticulture FV 266 Mechanical weeding for sustainable and organic salad production FV 272 Soil disinfestations using electromagnetic radiation in microwave range FV 273 Field grown horticultural crops. A costed study in the use of selected green (contd.) manures/biofumigants to control selected horticultural crop pests and diseases and their influence on soil nutritional status and the weed population FV 299 An investigation into the adoption of green manures in both organic and conventional rotations to aid nitrogen management and maintain soil structure FV 299a Extension of FV 299 Investigation into the adoption of green manures in both organic Final report Final report Final report Final report Final report Final report Final report

30 FV 315 FV 334 FV 338a FV 344 FV 344a FV 345b FV 346 FV 375 FV 385 FV 386 FV 389 FV 402a and conventional rotations to aid nitrogen management and soil structure The effects of biostimulants and plant health promoters in leafy salad crops under disease pressure Perennial field margins with combined agronomical and ecological benefits for vegetable rotation schemes Review and evaluation of two phosphate stripping materials for reducing phosphorus concentrations in watercress discharge outflows Sustaining the effectiveness of new insecticides against aphid pests in the UK Combating resistance to aphicides in UK aphid pests Establishing best practice for determining soil nitrogen supply (HGCA 3245) Reporting and Technology Transfer (Post Warwick HRI) Desk study for electrical weed control in field vegetables Novel strategies for pest control in field vegetable crops The influence of vegetable production on farmland bird populations PhD studentship: use of gaseous ozone to prevent microbial postharvest spoilage and reduce pesticide residue levels Combining biopesticides and other treatments to increase pest control Pre-stressing of brassica modules to increase their vigour and resistance to field stresses Final report Final report Final report Final report 2012 Annual report 2012 Final report Final report Final report Final report Final report 2014 Final report Awaiting first report Tree fruit TF 124 Environmental audit system for Final report fruit TF 127 Rapid analytical systems for raw Final report produce quality and safety attributes TF 187 Comparative study of refrigerated Final report