15AGRITECHCAT4: Third Generation Polyethylene Greenhouse Cladding Materials. NB: East Malling Research is an RTO at 100% FEC
Lead Research Organisation:
East Malling Research (United Kingdom)
Department Name: Science
Abstract
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Technical Summary
This project will develop a third generation of polyethylene cladding materials for use in greenhouses. The project exploits our fundamental understanding of the interactions between plants and light. Here we will optically modify the light incident upon a crop to drive commercial and environmental benefits to greenhouse producers. We will scatter ultra violet (UV) light to improve crop quality and minimise pest incidence, develop materials with directional photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) scattering to drive yield and reflect near infra red (NIR) radiation to control solar gain. These materials are low cost and could provide significant advantages to global greenhouse producers
This is a multi-disciplinary project engaging industry (British Polythene Industries plc, Haygrove Ltd, Finlays Ltd, Berry Garden Ltd and A Schulman Ltd) and academic partners (University of Reading (UoR), Chemistry and Agriculture, University of Lincoln (UoL), NCFM, Engineering and Architecture and the research organisation East Malling Research, (EMR)).
The UoR Chem will lead research to develop novel materials that scatter UV, have defined PAR angular scattering patterns and reflect NIR.
The UoL will develop models (either physical / physiological or functional / structural, 3D CAD) to describe the interaction between material scattering pattern and crop light interception.
The UoR Agri and EMR will conduct experiments to determine the impact of UV, diffuse PAR and NIR on whole crops of strawberry. UoR will focus on crop responses and EMR will conduct studies on insect behaviour and will include high replication experiments with controlled insect release.
Berry Gardens, Haygrove and Finlays will test the most promising materials under commercial conditions. The materials developed within the project will be exploitable within one year of the end of the project.
This is a multi-disciplinary project engaging industry (British Polythene Industries plc, Haygrove Ltd, Finlays Ltd, Berry Garden Ltd and A Schulman Ltd) and academic partners (University of Reading (UoR), Chemistry and Agriculture, University of Lincoln (UoL), NCFM, Engineering and Architecture and the research organisation East Malling Research, (EMR)).
The UoR Chem will lead research to develop novel materials that scatter UV, have defined PAR angular scattering patterns and reflect NIR.
The UoL will develop models (either physical / physiological or functional / structural, 3D CAD) to describe the interaction between material scattering pattern and crop light interception.
The UoR Agri and EMR will conduct experiments to determine the impact of UV, diffuse PAR and NIR on whole crops of strawberry. UoR will focus on crop responses and EMR will conduct studies on insect behaviour and will include high replication experiments with controlled insect release.
Berry Gardens, Haygrove and Finlays will test the most promising materials under commercial conditions. The materials developed within the project will be exploitable within one year of the end of the project.
Planned Impact
The major output of this project will be improved films and polyethylene clad tunnels for food production, with the threat of climate change and population increase, these are major challenges for the world community. Driving productivity within the existing international greenhouse estate will play a key role in driving the sustainable intensification of agriculture. These films will be particularly applicable in areas such as Spain and North Africa where heat and moisture loss are an issue, and such improvements will further engender employment opportunities in some of the less economically developed communities. The development of these films may open up additional areas for cultivation and through heat control and reduced pesticide use improve the conditions of agricultural workers.
The immediate beneficiaries of this research will be the companies directly involved in this research. The development of these new materials will allow BPI to improve their market share by 15% pa; the projected increase in sales will amount to some £37 million over the year 5 period (after deducting general market growth). Haygrove will exploit the IP on greenhouse design and the primary producers will benefit from the yield and quality gains derived by the materials. To facilitate uptake, reward development support and help create an industry market pull, BPI is developing an incentivisation package to support Berry Gardens and Finlays in purchasing the product post project completion. Yield gains from PAR diffusion could be in the order of 5% (7 to 10% were demonstrated on tomato, Deuck et al 2012) and there will be significant benefits from higher quality and reduced pest incidence. High levels of labour are required to manually ventilate Spanish tunnels and NIR technology has potential to reduce these costs by substantial temperature reductions . Thus based on the products developed in this project, commercial growers in the UK and elsewhere will see an increase in profitability and reliability with the potential for a reduction in pesticide use. The consortium see significant potential to drive export sales, this will be developed using existing market infrastructure, and license agreements. BPI currently export to three key segments, UK and Ireland, Europe and North America. Importantly, the group already has manufacturing capacity in China, although this is not currently for wide films, the outcomes from this project may enable ready access into the World's largest wide film market.
The use of these films in developing countries is an area we particularly intend to explore via our interaction with Kenyan Rose growers, (as UV in particular my effect flower quality, particularly colour) and we envisage future interactions with other growers (for example essential oil production may be highly dependent on light quality) which might also be of interest to the Department for International Development (DFID) in terms of sustainable development
Finally, the improvements to food quality and yield that these films offer are expected to have considerable impact on the retail sector in terms of improving produce quality and through lower unit costs via increased yields. Reduced pesticide use will be attractive to consumers, who will also be beneficiaries in terms of improved food colour and flavour and reduced prices.
The immediate beneficiaries of this research will be the companies directly involved in this research. The development of these new materials will allow BPI to improve their market share by 15% pa; the projected increase in sales will amount to some £37 million over the year 5 period (after deducting general market growth). Haygrove will exploit the IP on greenhouse design and the primary producers will benefit from the yield and quality gains derived by the materials. To facilitate uptake, reward development support and help create an industry market pull, BPI is developing an incentivisation package to support Berry Gardens and Finlays in purchasing the product post project completion. Yield gains from PAR diffusion could be in the order of 5% (7 to 10% were demonstrated on tomato, Deuck et al 2012) and there will be significant benefits from higher quality and reduced pest incidence. High levels of labour are required to manually ventilate Spanish tunnels and NIR technology has potential to reduce these costs by substantial temperature reductions . Thus based on the products developed in this project, commercial growers in the UK and elsewhere will see an increase in profitability and reliability with the potential for a reduction in pesticide use. The consortium see significant potential to drive export sales, this will be developed using existing market infrastructure, and license agreements. BPI currently export to three key segments, UK and Ireland, Europe and North America. Importantly, the group already has manufacturing capacity in China, although this is not currently for wide films, the outcomes from this project may enable ready access into the World's largest wide film market.
The use of these films in developing countries is an area we particularly intend to explore via our interaction with Kenyan Rose growers, (as UV in particular my effect flower quality, particularly colour) and we envisage future interactions with other growers (for example essential oil production may be highly dependent on light quality) which might also be of interest to the Department for International Development (DFID) in terms of sustainable development
Finally, the improvements to food quality and yield that these films offer are expected to have considerable impact on the retail sector in terms of improving produce quality and through lower unit costs via increased yields. Reduced pesticide use will be attractive to consumers, who will also be beneficiaries in terms of improved food colour and flavour and reduced prices.
Publications
Fennell J
(2019)
Direct effects of protective cladding material on insect pests in crops
in Crop Protection
Fountain MT
(2022)
Light spectra blocking films reduce numbers of Western Light spectra blocking films reduce numbers of western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in strawberry, Fragaria x ananassa
in Agricultural and Forest Entomology
Fountain MT
(2020)
The use of light spectrum blocking films to reduce populations of Drosophila suzukii Matsumura in fruit crops.
in Scientific reports
Fountain MT
(2018)
Alimentary microbes of winter-form Drosophila suzukii.
in Insect molecular biology
Noble R
(2017)
Fermentation for Disinfesting Fruit Waste From Drosophila Species (Diptera: Drosophilidae).
in Environmental entomology
Shaw B
(2019)
Comparison of extraction methods for quantifying Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) larvae in soft- and stone-fruits
in Crop Protection
Shaw B
(2019)
Insecticide Control of Drosophila suzukii in Commercial Sweet Cherry Crops under Cladding.
in Insects
Description | Some of the novel cladding films being used in this project although not appearing to change the behaviour of commercially produced bumblebees are having a significant effect of Western Flower Thrips and Drosophila suzukii. Research in 2017 confirmed these results. Trials were also done on whitefly in Kenyan Roses. In 2018 we also found an addtional effect of reducing spider mites in rose crops. Work by ourselves and other partners has found not detirmental effect of crop growth or yields. Further field trials - no adverse effect on beneficial insects, e.g. pollinators. The Work on SWD is now published and we are drafting the manuscript for thrips. |
Exploitation Route | If these results prove to be correct this will be a major advance in the most important pests in ornamental crop and soft fruit growing. These findings will be used by UK and overseas horticultural industries. The project has lead to further industry funding on other crops. Unfortunately the company decided not to take the product forward into commercial production after being bought out by a US parent company and this technology has not advanced further despite the impacts on pests. |
Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Chemicals,Environment |
Description | The findings of this research have demonstrated that pests can be reduced in fruit crops by new 3rd generation films. As a result commercial trials took place in 2019 on fruit farms in the UK, and Kenya on rose crops. Further trials commercial trials were done independent of the research teams and the results were not as encouraging. NIAB EMR did further field trials and confirmed not adverse impact on beneficials e.g. pollinators. |
First Year Of Impact | 2020 |
Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Environment |
Impact Types | Economic,Policy & public services |
Description | A novel biological attract and kill strategy for control of spotted wing drosophila: BIOAKIL |
Amount | £93,012 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 10005403 |
Organisation | Innovate UK |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2021 |
End | 09/2022 |
Description | Developing a push pull strategy for the management of Drosophila suzukii |
Amount | £98,212 (GBP) |
Funding ID | BB/R506631/1 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2017 |
End | 09/2021 |
Description | Effects of Cladding on Beneficial insects |
Amount | £10,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Berry Gardens Growers Limited |
Sector | Private |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2019 |
End | 12/2019 |
Description | Impacts of novel control strategies for Spotted Winged Drosophila on ecosystem services and crop production in raspberries |
Amount | £45,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 2106291 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 10/2018 |
End | 09/2023 |
Description | New Sustainable Solution To Save Healthy Fruit From Spotted Wing Drosophila: STOP-SPOT |
Amount | £490,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Innovate UK |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 10/2021 |
End | 04/2023 |
Description | Soft Pest SF 174 Improving integrated pest management in soft fruit crops |
Amount | £255,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Agricultural and Horticulture Development Board |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2020 |
End | 03/2023 |
Description | The use of highly attractive yeast strains for controlling Drosophila suzukii (spotted wing drosophila) |
Amount | £35,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Agricultural and Horticulture Development Board |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 10/2017 |
End | 10/2020 |
Title | UV limiting tunnel cladding |
Description | A film that covers crops and deters insect pests |
IP Reference | |
Protection | Patent granted |
Year Protection Granted | 2019 |
Licensed | Yes |
Impact | Reduction in insecticide use is possible. Will lead to research on other crops. |
Description | "IV Berries Festival" SERIDA Villaviciosa (Principality of Asturias, Spain) "Control strategies for Drosophila suzukii" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Talk followed by discussion on SWD control |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | 16 Nov 17 Berry Gardens Growers Ltd Annual Technical Conference, - Latest SWD research and Reducing insect populations through new generation polythene tunnel |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | 16 Nov 17 Berry Gardens Growers Ltd Annual Technical Conference, - Latest SWD research and Reducing insect populations through new generation polythene tunnel |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | 25 Dutch companies, WET Centre, SWD and pollinators |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Discussion on SWD control and managing pollinators on farms |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | AHDB Fruit Agronomists' Day, NIAB EMR |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Talks on New orchard biodiversity (TF 223), SWD Bait v overall sprays (SF/TF 145a) |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | AHDB/EMR Association Soft Fruit Day Orchards Events Centre at East Malling. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Series of updates on latest research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Agrii Fruit team, Throws Farm Essex. SWD, aphid control and forest bug |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Open discussion on reducing pesticide use |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Berry Gardens Growers Conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | 'New advances in SWD management and controls', 'Improved control of capsids' |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Berry Gardens Latest SWD Reducing insect populations through new generation polythene tunnel films |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Research and Agronomy Conference - Berry Gardens |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Fruit Focus tour, Enhancing pest control by planting floral resources in and around strawberry crops |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Talk followed by discussion on how to implement management of pollinators and control strawberry pests |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Innovation in Horticulture event, NIAB EMR, WET Centre: Fruit Quality attributes - research in to the role of beneficials and pollinators |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Discussion on research at NIAB EMR |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Innovations in fruit pest control and how WCoF kick-started recent pollination research at NIAB EMR |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Worshipful Company of Fruiterers |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Integrated pest management control update to Berry Gardens Annual Research and Agronomy Conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Confidential to Berry Gardens |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.berrygardens.co.uk/news/ |
Description | LEAF Network Summer Event LEAF, Hainey Farm, Barway, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB7 5TZ IPM in fruit at NIAB EMR |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Description of Integrated Pest Management on fruit crops to arable farmers |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Talk to Tracey Crouch MP on SWD |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | 19 Jan 18 - Talk to Tracey Crouch MP on SWD |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |