NEMA

The availability of pesticides to control nematodes is diminishing following environmental and human safety reviews in all developed countries. It is estimated that the world loss in food production caused by nematode damage is circa $100 billion dollars per annum (FAO). This in a world of rapidly rising population and decline in natural resource availability, e.g., water. ECOspray have developed an alternative approach to nematode control using highly effective plant-derived polysulphides with some notable success (product on EU approved list, 91/414). Further research, financial support and impetus is now required to continue the development. Key objectives for this project will be to build on the substantial body of work already completed by including higher sulfur chain polysulphides in the active and holding them in a matrix so that when activated, they produce crop life protection against harmful species of nematodes in a wide range of food crops. Recent limited laboratory research in creating stable polysulphide chains at ambient temperatures has given an exciting insight into what might be achieved. Further funding from TSB will allow more thorough research being undertaken to take the most promising formulations through to pot trials in glasshouses and testing in inocculated media over the full life of the crop. The most promising will be screened out for trialing in fully replicated potato field trials. In the final growing season of the project, commercial trials will be undertaken. At the end of the 40 month project there will be at least one new nematicide, protecting a broad range of crops from the most challenging nematodes, with the potential for world market sales and IP protection.