10122187Treating fungal rot in bulb based crops using more environmentally sound biocidesClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKIn the environment there are both beneficial and plant-pathogenic fungi with the latter causing disease on crops and ornamental plants instilling \>23% loss of crop annually. Fungal infections not only reduce yields and spoil our food but can also pose serious health risks due to the production of harmful toxins. For decades, farmers have effectively used chemical fungicides, but these can harm the environment and also kill the beneficial fungi in the soil which generally reduces soil health. In addition, over-use of fungicides has led to resistance which in some cases has led to problems controlling fungal diseases in humans. The European Green Deal is therefore an important initiative which aims to reduce the use of fungicides by 50% by 2030, and transition to greener solutions to reach climate neutrality by 2050\. Our project aligns with this aim by identifying safer, more eco-friendly sustainable alternatives to traditional fungicides that can be used to combat saffron corm rot. Saffron is a new crop in the UK, an autumn Crocus that produces flowers used to produce a spice with major health benefits due to its high antioxidant levels. Our approach is applicable to other crops and will aid sustainable food supply and help restore nature and biodiversity. We're on a mission to answer the following questions: **1\. What are the main pathogenic fungi causing saffron corm rot and are these Fusarium spp.?** **2\. Which biocides show activity towards saffron fungal pathogens and are there natural, alternatives to traditional fungicides?** **3\. Do these biocides show any phytotoxic effects on saffron?** **4\. Do biocidal and microbial corm treatments improve vigour, yield and reduce disease in the field?** By trying to answer these questions, we hope to revolutionize how we protect bulb based crops like saffron from fungal threats. Our innovative solutions will focus on alternatives to traditional fungicides and ways to enhance plant and soil health. Part of the project will identify the benefits of using beneficial microbes (fungi and bacteria) to enhance the plants vigour making them more resistant to future stresses such as environmental extremes or future fungal infection. This work will hopefully lead to improvements in how we look after the land for future generations to come whilst fulfilling our commitments to making Britain food secure.