UK: Russell IPM featured in BBC Interview

Pesticide resistance is a growing concern for the consumer, along with the uncertainty of the safety and quality of fresh fruit and vegetables. In addition, the global need for food security and food safety is also contributing to a heightened interest in all-natural, pesticide-free or biorational products for agricultural crops stimulation and pest control. Biopesticides were one of the topics discussed in the Farming Today programme on Radio BBC 4 last week.

Tomato grower in Jordan proudly presenting his fruit after using one of Russell IPM’s natural microbial fertiliser and plant booster, Recharge.

Last week, BBC Radio's Mariclare Carey Jones asked to interview Russell IPM's founder, Dr Al-Zaidi. Their conversation was joined by the company's Head of Research and Development, Dr Hassan and Horticultural Manager, Dr Sampson. The tour around the company's manufacturing and R&D site in Deeside, Flintshire, focused on pheromones. Russell IPM integrates them into traps and systems that produce semiochemical control over insects' reproductive, feeding and communication behaviours. Russell IPM's recent success in controlling the spread in Europe of Tuta absoluta, the tomato leaf miner, demonstrates that plants have their own defence systems, a fact that inspired the company’s biopesticides and plant-boosters. As Dr Hassan mentioned, the company is currently investigating this effect in another crop, where, in collaboration within a Innovate UK-funded project, it is seeking to develop a non-toxic multi-species insect repellent. More than one of the company's products harness the power of plants in fighting diseases without pesticides: Russell IPM makes a complementary range of biopesticides, soil revitalising fertilizers and plant stimulants. Moreover, a line of scientifically developed sticky roller traps in special colours and with insect-attracting patterns and pheromones is now available. As Dr Sampson said, these award-winning rolls have shown excellent results in field trials and can make a big difference in pest control when applied at the start the crop-planting season.

To find out more about the company and its biorational solutions, you can listen to the whole interview from this link:

Interview on Radio BBC 4

For more information:
Russell IPM
Unit 45 First Avenue
Deeside Industrial Park
Deeside, Flintshire, CH5 2NU
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1244 281 333
Fax: +44 1244 281 878
info@russellipm.com
www.russellipm.com