UK: AHDB to showcase latest industry research at Fruit Focus
The industry and growers are welcome to AHDB’s stand, number 28, to network and hear about the latest technologies and developments within the industry.
Growers will also have the opportunity to pick up the new AHDB Nutrient Management Guide RB209, which includes revised fruit fertiliser recommendations, and the latest in AHDB’s Horizon series of reports on the impact of Brexit will also be available.
James Holmes, AHDB Senior Crop Nutrition Scientist, said, “We will be showcasing RB209 at this year’s Fruit Focus. The new edition of the guide provides essential reading for all fruit growers and will be available free of charge on AHDB’s stand.”
Growers will have the opportunity to catch up on the SWD research latest outputs with research and technical experts from the fruit industry. A key topic AHDB will also be covering on the day is western flower thrips and AHDB’s project SF 145. This has successfully identified new and alternative predators which feed and prey on western flower thrips larvae and pupae.
Scott Raffle, AHDB Knowledge Exchange Manager, said, “Western flower thrips are still a major strawberry pest, causing financial losses for some commercial growers in the UK. Our latest research has identified several predators which help to complement the biological control of western flower thrips currently being achieved using neoseiulus cucumeris mite.”
Key industry consultants will be joining AHDB on the day, including Biocontrol consultant Clare Sampson (Russell IPM). Soft fruit consultant Robert Irving (ADAS) and Chantelle Jay (NIAB EMR) will be available to answer questions concerning optimum control approaches for western flower thrips in strawberry.
Fruit Focus takes place on 19th July and is a key industry date for soft fruit, top fruit, stone fruit, bush fruit and vine growers. Find out more and book your tickets here: http://www.fruitfocus.co.uk/welcome