Investigating the role of phosphite in plant development

Lead Research Organisation: University of Nottingham
Department Name: Sch of Biosciences

Abstract

Food security represents a major global issue. Significant improvements in crop yields are urgently required to meet the 50% increase in world population by 2050. The degree of root branching determines the efficiency of water uptake and acquisition of nutrients in crops. This research proposal aims to investigate the role of phosphite in improving root branching.
There are several reports that suggest that Phosphites have biostimulant properties. We have tested the effects of phosphites in several crops and find about 30% increase in root growth. This project will investigate the mode of phosphite action and if improved root architecture result in improvement in yield.
To help our studies, we have already identified several genes and signals that are important for this process. This includes two key plant hormones auxin and cytokinin and two proteins called BIG and ARF19. These genes and signals are known to regulate root development and root branching. For example, BIG is known to regulate auxin transport via regulating the activity of an auxin transport protein called PIN1. We will test if increased auxin accumulation mediated by BIG and PIN1 can be amplified via a special auxin inducible protein called ARF19 that regulate where root branches are formed. We also propose to manipulate level of a class of cytokinin called cis zeatin that show an induction in phosphite treated root tissues. We will manipulate endogenous cis zeatin levels by regulating cis zeatin biosynthesis or degradation.
We will perform a series of experiments to test the role of these signals and proteins in regulating root branching.
Next, we will undertake a series of physiological studies in two commercially important crops wheat and oilseed rape to determine whether phosphite treatment can improve resource use efficiency. The plants will be subjected to nutrient or water deficiency and its effect on above ground physiology assessed. We will also assess relationship between root system architecture and grain yield in the field.
Finally we will investigate in which crops phosphites promote root growth. Our industrial partners will undertake a series of studies on biostimulant properties of phosphites in field trials. These partners will test several different phosphite formulations and their effect in a range of crops and in different agro climatic conditions.
The knowledge gained from this study will provide information about the key genes and processes controlling root branching. Also by optimising doses, timing of application and treatments this project will provide a clear framework for phosphite treatment in a number of crops. With crops yielding better returns, this research is likely to have a direct impact on farm income leading to improved nutritional, financial and social stability.

Technical Summary

Phosphite (Phi) has been reported to have biostiimulant properties. We have tested the effects of phi in several crops and find about 30% increase in root growth. This project will investigate the mode of phi action and if improved root architecture result in improvement in yield.
Our expression profiling show an increase in a number of auxin related genes including BIG and ARF19. Auxin gradients are crucial for root development. BIG regulates auxin transport via regulating the activity of auxin transporter PIN1. We will test if increased auxin accumulation mediated by BIG and PIN1 can be amplified via auxin inducible transcription factor ARF19 that regulates root branching. Our hormone profiling studies show an increase in cis zeatin (cZ) type cytokinins. Cytokinins move from shoot to root and play a vital role during lateral root organogenesis by directing the flow of auxin into new LR primordia. This suggests a possible mode of action where foliar Phi application promotes cZ production in shoots, that is then transported to the root where it enhances downstream developmental processes such as LR initiation and/or emergence (either in/dependently of BIG and/or ARF19). We will use a combination of hormone profiling and functional approaches to test whether altered cZ levels are important for Phi-mediated root growth responses.
Next, we will undertake a series of physiological studies in wheat and oilseed rape to determine whether phi treatment can improve resource use efficiency. The plants will be subjected to nutrient or water deficiency and its effect on above ground physiology assessed. We will also assess relationship between root system architecture and grain yield in the field.
Finally we will investigate in which crops phi promotes root growth. Our industrial partners will test several different phi formulations and their effect in a range of commercial crops and in different agro climatic conditions.

Planned Impact

Who might benefit from this research?
- Farmers
- Industrial collaborators
- Life science researchers
- Members of the public

How will they benefit from this research?
Improved root architecture, is likely to have a direct impact in improving resource use efficiency and plant fitness in a number of commercially important horticultural and cereal crops. By having a clear framework for phosphite treatment in a number of crops, farmers are likely to be the direct beneficiaries of this research. With crops yielding better returns, this research is likely to have a direct impact on farm income leading to improved nutritional, financial and social stability.
Our industrial partners have programs in place to engage with the farmers through information brochures, field visits and those will be the key channels that will be used to engage with the farmers and the wider community. In addition, University of Nottingham has a regular display at the UK Cereals event (http://www.cerealsevent.co.uk) attended by UK breeding and commercial seed sector. We will set up a mini-display with posters, video screen and practical demos.
Proposed research is important for Industrial Partner's to establish, beyond doubt, the biostimulant properties of phosphite and thus enable subsequent EU registration under biostimulant regulations. This award would also help establish a knowledge base that will allow Industrial partners to generate IP and new products with the information.
The project will generate a number of new data resources that will benefit a wide spectrum of researchers from other disciplines. Understanding of key signals/genes in regulating root traits will enable researchers to design new approaches to manipulate root branching in crops, forestry and horticultural varieties. Project results can also be exploited in other current grants and with industrial collaborators.
We plan to make the tools and resources publicly available as soon as possible, and by month 18 of the project. This will comply with BBSRC's desire that research results be fully available to the public and research community. Arabidopsis related materials will be made public through the Nottingham Arabidopsis Stock Centre that provides a convenient portal for other academics to obtain these resources (distributing 40,000 orders every year from a seed and DNA catalogue containing over 1,000,000 items). For wheat we will use BBSRC funded CerealsDB web site (funded until June 2018; http://www.cerealsdb.uk.net/). As such, our data will provide a key foundation for follow on projects. A range of dissemination mechanisms will be exploited. To the scientific community via presentations at international meetings, and other scientific conferences as well as publications in international refereed journals. The involvement of the commercial companies on the steering committee will also help to ensure that opportunities are not wasted in exploiting the project outcomes.
The project will also help train researchers experienced with working as part of a multidisciplinary team and enable them to engage with industry. This multidisciplinary expertise will uniquely position them for employment in the Agrochemical sector.
The research will also benefit school age children. The Schools of Biosciences at Nottingham host an annual series of visits of children from local primary schools. The PDRA and technicians will engage in these events. This will be accompanied by a demonstration of how improved root architecture is crucial for plant growth and development - the key objective of the work. This will inspire students to consider science as a future career. We plan to prepare materials explaining plant-environment interactions and the project for these students.
 
Description We have tested the effect of phosphite in wheat and to some extent in oilseed rape in a range of growth stages and the findings are summarised below.

• Foliar application of phosphite enhances root growth and development typically increasing biomass by 30%.

• Phosphite treatment enhances root system architecture as revealed by X-ray CT imaging.

• The effect of phosphite is more pronounced under restricted water condition or under reduced nutrient strength.

• Foliar application of phosphite improves carbon assimilation and water use efficiency (carbon gained per unit water loss).

• At the doses used, phosphites has no effect on foliar diseases of wheat; septoria leaf blotch and powdery mildew.

• Phosphites did not elicit plant defense when both Phaseolus and Vicia beans were inoculated with the ubiquitous fungal plant pathogen Botrytis cinerea.

In collaboration with Kiel University, we show that phosphite treatment results in increase in Nitrate Reductase-a key enzyme in N assimilation.

Our gene expression profiling experiments revealed that remarkably 25 out of 35 Nicotianamine synthase genes were up regulated upon phosphite treatment. Nicotianamine Synthases are key genes involved in the synthesis of non-proteinogenic amino acid Nicotianamine. Nicotianamine is known to chelate many metal ions including Iron, Zinc, Copper and Manganese and is involved in internal metal transport. Crucially, Nicotianamine is involved in acquisition, transport and homeostasis of iron, which is required for many of the enzymes involved in Nitrogen assimilation including Nitrate and Nitrite-reductases. Thus, our gene expression profiling has provided new insight into the mode of phosphite action and has opened up new line of investigation. This also supports our observation that phosphite treatment increases Nitrate reductase activity and suggests that this regulation is likely mediated by improved iron homeostasis through Nicotianamine synthase.
We propose that phosphite treatment improves plant fitness and their ability to tolerate abiotic stresses through a combination of improved ion homeostasis and Nitrogen assimilation thus facilitating improved root growth that in turn improves root biomass, nutrient and water use efficiency (Manuscript under review in Plant Direct).

Our industry collaborators desire phosphite biodistribution information to inform their marketing and deployment strategies for their products and this led to a new multi-disciplinary collaboration with Kevin Webb lab, Applied Optics and Electrophysiology,

The Webb lab has recently developed an extremely sensitive Raman microspectroscopy (RMS) imaging platform, and used this custom instrument to extract the world's first dynamic maps of water movement (hydrodynamics) within living plant tissues (Pascut et al, Nature Communications, 2021). We have started a collaboration with Webb lab for phosphite imaging. No current label-free instrument is capable of mapping phosphites within living plants. However, the RMS system in Webb lab has exquisite sensitivity in the exact region of the Raman spectrum where phosphite P-H bonds manifest. Adopting CARS will boost current imaging speeds by three orders of magnitude (from 300ms/point to 60µs/point) allowing video-rate imaging of even highly-fluorescent chlorophyll-containing tissues such as leaves.

Since the end of this current BBSRC grant, very recently Webb lab and Swarup lab with industrial support from four industrial partners (Biolchim, Intracrop, Tradecorp and Verdesian) have managed to secure funding for live phosphite imaging in plants. This combination of stakeholders and implementors is optimally designed to achieve direct impact on a key strategic agricultural sector.
Exploitation Route We and our industrial partners have undertaken a series of studies on biostimulant properties of phosphites in field trials that complement the mechanistic studies performed at Nottingham under controlled environment conditions. Our partners have tested several different phosphite formulations and their effect in a range of crops and in different agroclimatic conditions. We now have a better understanding of the molecular and physiological role of phosphite in improving root architecture. This is really exciting that application of a simple chemical can have profound impact on root development. There have been several studies and reports that suggest that improvement in root architecture can have profound impact in improving resource use efficiency. Leading world expert Jonathan Lynch has even suggested that next green revolution will be brought about by improving root architecture.
In recent years, there have been regulatory issues regarding the registration of phosphite as a biostimulant in EU. The project provides scientific evidence for the acknowledgment of phosphites as biostimulants.. The results of the project provides the basis for the interaction of members with national and European authorities. An impact on the regulatory environment is possible in the near future as a result of the activities performed.

To raise awareness about our research, we have engaged as a group to lease with organisations and governments as summarised below:
• We have engaged with European Commission in an effort to influence policy decisions
• International publicity of the project via EBIC and project members to raise awareness of phosphites biostimulant properties.
• The PI on this grant has been invited by Europen Biostimulant Industry Council for a webinar for EBIC members. This webinar was presented in May 2018.
• Several of our Industrial partners are EBIC members and have been involved in promoting a case for phosphite by leasing with their local agencies and governments.
• Intracrop for example has held Liaison meetings to-pass on knowledge about Phosphites and their benefits with several organisations including Agricultural Development and Advisory Service-ADAS, Agricultural Industries Confederation-AIC and Croptech.

• Created a white paper (June 2020) for wider circulation highlighting the role of phosphite.
Circulated through Industrial partners, a University of Nottingham Blog (https://blogs.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences/) and this blog was also tweeted via @UoNBiosciences https://twitter.com/uonbiosciences?lang=en
Sectors Agriculture

Food and Drink

Environment

 
Description We and our industrial partners have undertaken a series of studies on biostimulant properties of phosphites in field trials that complement the mechanistic studies performed at Nottingham under controlled environment conditions. Our partners have tested several different phosphite formulations and their effect in a range of crops and in different agroclimatic conditions. We now have a better understanding of the molecular and physiological role of phosphite in improving root architecture. This is really exciting that application of a simple chemical can have profound impact on root development. There have been several studies and reports that suggest that improvement in root architecture can have profound impact in improving resource use efficiency. Leading world expert Jonathan Lynch has even suggested that next green revolution will be brought about by improving root architecture. In recent years, there have been regulatory issues regarding the registration of phosphite as a biostimulant in EU. The project provides scientific evidence for the acknowledgment of phosphites as biostimulants.. The results of the project provides the basis for the interaction of members with national and European authorities. An impact on the regulatory environment is possible in the near future as a result of the activities performed. To raise awareness about our research, we have engaged as a group to lease with organisations and governments as summarised below: • We have engaged with European Commission in an effort to influence policy decisions • International publicity of the project via EBIC and project members to raise awareness of phosphites biostimulant properties. • The PI on this grant has been invited by Europen Biostimulant Industry Council for a webinar for EBIC members. This webinar was presented in May 2018. • Several of our Industrial partners are EBIC members and have been involved in promoting a case for phosphite by leasing with their local agencies and governments. • Intracrop for example has held Liaison meetings to-pass on knowledge about Phosphites and their benefits with several organisations including Agricultural Development and Advisory Service-ADAS, Agricultural Industries Confederation-AIC and Croptech. • Created a white paper (June 2020) for wider circulation highlighting the role of phosphite. Circulated through Industrial partners, a University of Nottingham Blog (https://blogs.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences/) and this blog was also tweeted via @UoNBiosciences https://twitter.com/uonbiosciences?lang=en The work funded by this grant has now been published (Mohammed et al. 2022. Phosphite treatment can improve root biomass and nutrition use efficiency in wheat. Frontiers in Plant Science,13:1017048).
Sector Agriculture, Food and Drink,Creative Economy
Impact Types Economic

Policy & public services

 
Description ? meeting initiated (27/02/2020) with JKI (Julius Kühn Institute = advising to the Fed. Min. of Ag.) to present results of the UoN BBSRC-LINK project proving efficacy and mode of action of phosphite as a biostimulant
Geographic Reach Europe 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
 
Description Biolchim National consultation on the use of phosphites
Geographic Reach Europe 
Policy Influence Type Influenced training of practitioners or researchers
Impact The project is key to providing scientific evidence for the acknowledgment of phosphites as biostimulants in the EU. The project is cited in EBIC's paper to support interaction of members with national authorities and policy makers.
 
Description Consultation exercise into future policy relating to pesticide use in the amenity market
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
Impact Mark Hunt (Headland Amenity) was invited as part of a DEFRA consultation exercise into future policy relating to pesticide use in the amenity market. as per the details below: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Workshop: How can we minimise chemical pesticide usage in the amenity sector? - July 13th, 2020. Robbie Jones External Communications & Stakeholder Engagement | Chemicals & Pesticides: EU Exit Policy - Project Delivery During this consultation Mark Hunt (Headland Amenity) stated the case for the continued use of non-pesticidal products to reduce our dependency on pesticides and highlighted the work done at Nottingham University with the BBSRC grant / stakeholders and phosphite. Primarily the consultation was aimed at establishing a framework after we left the E.U.
 
Description Give evidence to a govt review-Biolchim (2019-20)
Geographic Reach Multiple continents/international 
Policy Influence Type Membership of a guideline committee
 
Description Give evidence to a govt review-Omex Ltd (2019-20)
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
Impact Briefings provided to the Agricultural Industries Confederation (lobby group for the UK agricultural supply industry) on the impact of forthcoming biostimulant and fertiliser regulations on phosphite use, and the activity of the research group towards justification of the use of phosphites as biostimulants. Contact through the AIC with Defra (UK agricultural regulator) to inform them of potential impacts and progress. As a result of lobbying activities it appears Defra will now retain national UK fertiliser law rather than adopt EU regulations after the transition, which would allow continued use of phosphites as before.
 
Description Give evidence to a govt review-Omex Ltd (2019-20)
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
Impact Contact through the AIC with Defra (UK agricultural regulator) to inform them of potential impacts and progress. As a result of lobbying activities it appears Defra will now retain national UK fertiliser law rather than adopt EU regulations after the transition, which would allow continued use of phosphites as before.
 
Description Influencing lawmakers- VSLC Ltd (2019-20)
Geographic Reach Europe 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
Impact Influencing lawmakers, policy and advising experts with respect to new EU Fertiliser Directive to include phosphites as biostimulants, on EU and national levels. We have been involved in up to 25 engagement events in 2019. Besides participating in advisory committee, VSLC Ltd has also membership of a guidance committee Our efforts to some degree, has resulted in improved regulatory environment but we're not there yet.
 
Description Omex Ltd Briefings to the Agricultural Industries Confederation (lobby group for the UK agricultural supply industry) on the impact of forthcoming biostimulant and fertiliser regulations on phosphite use, and the activity of the research group towards justification of the use of phosphites as biostimulants.
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
Impact Official decisions on the future registration status of phosphites in the UK market will come after Brexit, once there is more clarity on the shape of UK national regulations for fertilisers and biostimulants once we leave the EU regime. These briefings have however helped to make the regulator (Defra) aware of the potential benefits to farmers and consumers from improved crop growth and returns, so we are hopeful that the future use of phosphites as biostimulants will be sanctioned.
 
Description Phosphite trials Intracrop (2018)
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Influenced training of practitioners or researchers
 
Description Phosphite trials Intracrop (2018)
Geographic Reach Europe 
Policy Influence Type Influenced training of practitioners or researchers
 
Description Phosphite trials Omex Ltd
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Influenced training of practitioners or researchers
Impact Audience now more aware of the potential for promoting early root growth and plant establishment in field crops such as oilseed rape and sugar beet using foliar phosphite treatments, particularly in difficult growing conditions. Negativity because of previous poor understanding of the mechanism and best use has been addressed with better guidance based on sound science.
URL https://blog.omex.co.uk/how-to-kickstart-your-crops
 
Description Policy activities of Tradecorp- Major changes in the biostimulants policies and the rules that will be common to EU
Geographic Reach Europe 
Policy Influence Type Membership of a guideline committee
Impact Tradecorp Innovation and Regulatory team is engaged in many activities for policies related to EBIC and CEN. Below the comments on this: - José Nolasco - Strategy and Innovation Director o Director-at-large (Board member) o Working Member - PT Code of Conduct - Sara Tormo - Regulatory Affairs Associate Director o Working Member PT REACH o Collaborative Member - Phosphites, Multiple Use - Irene Sobrado - Regulatory Affairs Manager o Co-chair PT Multiple Use o Working Member - Phosphites o Collaborative Member - REACH - Angela Varo - Regulatory Affairs Expert o Collaborative Members - Multiple Use - Camila Levy - R&D Manager and Lydia Ugena - R&D Specialist o CEN TC455/Working Group 2 - Claims ? General Principles ? Nutrient Use Efficiency ? Quality Traits ? Tolerance to abiotic stress Major changes in the biostimulants policies and the rules that will be common to EU - and in the future to the world, since EU leads these changes in other democracies. To avoid the losses of market and economy from companies of the sector.
 
Description VLSC Ltd. 2019-20- Influencing German lawmakers, Ag-officials, farmer groups, policy and advising experts with respect to new EU Fertiliser Directive to include phosphites as biostimulants
Geographic Reach Europe 
Policy Influence Type Influenced training of practitioners or researchers
Impact Influencing German lawmakers, Ag-officials, farmer groups, policy and advising experts with respect to new EU Fertiliser Directive to include phosphites as biostimulants ? up to 20 engagement events in 2018 ? up to 18 engagement events in 2019, plus ? organised 1st Biostimulant Symposium in September 2019 for invited guests from Federal Ministry of Agriculture, State Ministries of Agriculture and related authorities, Chambers of Agriculture, public and private agricultural laboratories (LUFA, other) follow up event planned for September 2020 having provided multiple contacts These activities have resulted in Improved regulatory environment to some degree, but not there yet.
 
Description VLSE 2021: Discussions with the EU namely the Phosphite as a Biostimulant
Geographic Reach Europe 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
Impact Improved regulatory environment - remaining an uphill struggle, however, awareness raised. The EU have accepted the scientific evidence of Phosphite as Biostimulant (and its mode of action) and take up the topic again - discuss possible changes of EU Fertiliser Products Directive 2019/1009 in favour of Phosphite
 
Description VLSE- influencing German lawmakers, Ag-officials, farmer groups, policy and advising experts with respect to new EU Fertiliser Directive to include phosphites as biostimulants
Geographic Reach Europe 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
Impact ? influencing German lawmakers, Ag-officials, farmer groups, policy and advising experts with respect to new EU Fertiliser Directive to include phosphites as biostimulants ? up to 20 engagement events in 2018 ? up to 18 engagement events in 2019, plus ? organised 1st Biostimulant Symposium in September 2019 for invited guests from o Federal Ministry of Agriculture o State Ministries of Agriculture and related authorities, Chambers of Agriculture o public and private agricultural laboratories (LUFA, other) o follow up event planned for September 2020 ? having provided multiple contacts ? meeting (27/02/2020) with JKI (Julius Kühn Institute = advising to the Fed. Min. of Ag.) to present results of the UoN BBSRC-LINK project proving efficacy and mode of action of phosphite as a biostimulant ? IVA letter to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture (BMEL) re. phosphites as a biostimulant (April 2020) ? 2 IVA meetings with head of department 711 at BMEL in Q3 and 4/2020 o 2nd IVA Biostimulant conference - held a s a webinar in September 2020 ? >180 participants ? Public and private extension - Improved regulatory environment - remaining an uphill struggle, however, awareness raised
 
Description VLSE-Influencing German lawmakers, Ag-officials, farmer groups, policy and advising experts with respect to new EU Fertiliser Directive to include phosphites as biostimulants
Geographic Reach Europe 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
Impact influencing German lawmakers, Ag-officials, farmer groups, policy and advising experts with respect to new EU Fertiliser Directive to include phosphites as biostimulants. IVA (Industrieverband Agrar) - membership, engagement and working groups (years 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020) - Verdesian o are represented in the Biostimulant Department ? Dirk Schröder as vice chairman ? Dirk Schröder elected to IVA biostimulant board in 2019 - Improved regulatory environment - remaining an uphill struggle, however, awareness raised o contributed to new leaflet on biostimulants distributed at the DLG Field Days 2019 o re-edited leaflet for re-print, distributed at Biostimulant Symposium and "Grüne Woche 2020 o new Bostimulant leaflet and IVA website on Biostimulants
 
Description VLSE-influencing lawmakers, policy and advising experts with respect to new EU Fertiliser Directive to include phosphites as biostimulants, on EU and national levels
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
Impact influencing lawmakers, policy and advising experts with respect to new EU Fertiliser Directive to include phosphites as biostimulants, on EU and national levels 5 engagement events in 2020 -Improved regulatory environment - remaining an uphill struggle, however, awareness raised
 
Title Development of root stimulation testing methods for mung bean 
Description Development of root stimulation testing methods for mung bean as simple a repeatable method of evaluating mode of action and efficacy. Use of motion capture photography to demonstrate biostimulant effects. These methods are novel for demonstrating and evaluating the efficacy of this type of product in this market. 
Type Of Material Physiological assessment or outcome measure 
Year Produced 2019 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact Development of root stimulation testing methods, e.g. mung bean bioassay, as simple a repeatable method of evaluating mode of action and efficacy. Use of motion capture photography to demonstrate biostimulant effects. These methods are novel for demonstrating and evaluating the efficacy of this type of product in this market. 
 
Description BBSRC-LINK GRANT-PHOSPHITE-INDUSTRIAL PARTNERS 
Organisation Biolchim S.p.A
Country Italy 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Nottingham team is involved in the following aspects of the grant- 1. Mechanism(s) mediating phosphite regulated growth promotion 2. X-ray CT imaging to characterise root architecture in soil. 3. Identifying the mechanisms by which phosphite improves crop resource capture and yield at the whole plant level.
Collaborator Contribution We have six industrial partners. Four of our partners are UK based (Brian Lewis Agricuture Ltd T/A Intracrop, Headland Amenity Ltd, OMEX Agriculture Ltd and Verdesian Life Sciences). The other two are European companies Biolchim S.p.A (Italy) and Trade Corporation International SAU (Spain). Our partners are address the question- In which crops does phosphite exhibit a root promotive effect? They are undertaking a series of studies on biostimulant properties of phosphites in glasshouse and field conditions and thus complement the physiological studies done under more controlled conditions in Nottingham. They also test different formulations, doses and their effect in a range of crops and in different agroclimatic conditions in several different countries including UK, Spain, Italy, Germany, Czech Republic, Finland, Canada and Brazil.
Impact Plant Molecular Biology, Genetics, Crop Physiology, Bioinformatics
Start Year 2017
 
Description BBSRC-LINK GRANT-PHOSPHITE-INDUSTRIAL PARTNERS 
Organisation Brian Lewis Agriculture Limited, trading as IntraCrop
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Nottingham team is involved in the following aspects of the grant- 1. Mechanism(s) mediating phosphite regulated growth promotion 2. X-ray CT imaging to characterise root architecture in soil. 3. Identifying the mechanisms by which phosphite improves crop resource capture and yield at the whole plant level.
Collaborator Contribution We have six industrial partners. Four of our partners are UK based (Brian Lewis Agricuture Ltd T/A Intracrop, Headland Amenity Ltd, OMEX Agriculture Ltd and Verdesian Life Sciences). The other two are European companies Biolchim S.p.A (Italy) and Trade Corporation International SAU (Spain). Our partners are address the question- In which crops does phosphite exhibit a root promotive effect? They are undertaking a series of studies on biostimulant properties of phosphites in glasshouse and field conditions and thus complement the physiological studies done under more controlled conditions in Nottingham. They also test different formulations, doses and their effect in a range of crops and in different agroclimatic conditions in several different countries including UK, Spain, Italy, Germany, Czech Republic, Finland, Canada and Brazil.
Impact Plant Molecular Biology, Genetics, Crop Physiology, Bioinformatics
Start Year 2017
 
Description BBSRC-LINK GRANT-PHOSPHITE-INDUSTRIAL PARTNERS 
Organisation Headland Amenity Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Nottingham team is involved in the following aspects of the grant- 1. Mechanism(s) mediating phosphite regulated growth promotion 2. X-ray CT imaging to characterise root architecture in soil. 3. Identifying the mechanisms by which phosphite improves crop resource capture and yield at the whole plant level.
Collaborator Contribution We have six industrial partners. Four of our partners are UK based (Brian Lewis Agricuture Ltd T/A Intracrop, Headland Amenity Ltd, OMEX Agriculture Ltd and Verdesian Life Sciences). The other two are European companies Biolchim S.p.A (Italy) and Trade Corporation International SAU (Spain). Our partners are address the question- In which crops does phosphite exhibit a root promotive effect? They are undertaking a series of studies on biostimulant properties of phosphites in glasshouse and field conditions and thus complement the physiological studies done under more controlled conditions in Nottingham. They also test different formulations, doses and their effect in a range of crops and in different agroclimatic conditions in several different countries including UK, Spain, Italy, Germany, Czech Republic, Finland, Canada and Brazil.
Impact Plant Molecular Biology, Genetics, Crop Physiology, Bioinformatics
Start Year 2017
 
Description BBSRC-LINK GRANT-PHOSPHITE-INDUSTRIAL PARTNERS 
Organisation Omex Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Nottingham team is involved in the following aspects of the grant- 1. Mechanism(s) mediating phosphite regulated growth promotion 2. X-ray CT imaging to characterise root architecture in soil. 3. Identifying the mechanisms by which phosphite improves crop resource capture and yield at the whole plant level.
Collaborator Contribution We have six industrial partners. Four of our partners are UK based (Brian Lewis Agricuture Ltd T/A Intracrop, Headland Amenity Ltd, OMEX Agriculture Ltd and Verdesian Life Sciences). The other two are European companies Biolchim S.p.A (Italy) and Trade Corporation International SAU (Spain). Our partners are address the question- In which crops does phosphite exhibit a root promotive effect? They are undertaking a series of studies on biostimulant properties of phosphites in glasshouse and field conditions and thus complement the physiological studies done under more controlled conditions in Nottingham. They also test different formulations, doses and their effect in a range of crops and in different agroclimatic conditions in several different countries including UK, Spain, Italy, Germany, Czech Republic, Finland, Canada and Brazil.
Impact Plant Molecular Biology, Genetics, Crop Physiology, Bioinformatics
Start Year 2017
 
Description BBSRC-LINK GRANT-PHOSPHITE-INDUSTRIAL PARTNERS 
Organisation Trade Corporation International S.A
Country Spain 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Nottingham team is involved in the following aspects of the grant- 1. Mechanism(s) mediating phosphite regulated growth promotion 2. X-ray CT imaging to characterise root architecture in soil. 3. Identifying the mechanisms by which phosphite improves crop resource capture and yield at the whole plant level.
Collaborator Contribution We have six industrial partners. Four of our partners are UK based (Brian Lewis Agricuture Ltd T/A Intracrop, Headland Amenity Ltd, OMEX Agriculture Ltd and Verdesian Life Sciences). The other two are European companies Biolchim S.p.A (Italy) and Trade Corporation International SAU (Spain). Our partners are address the question- In which crops does phosphite exhibit a root promotive effect? They are undertaking a series of studies on biostimulant properties of phosphites in glasshouse and field conditions and thus complement the physiological studies done under more controlled conditions in Nottingham. They also test different formulations, doses and their effect in a range of crops and in different agroclimatic conditions in several different countries including UK, Spain, Italy, Germany, Czech Republic, Finland, Canada and Brazil.
Impact Plant Molecular Biology, Genetics, Crop Physiology, Bioinformatics
Start Year 2017
 
Description BBSRC-LINK GRANT-PHOSPHITE-INDUSTRIAL PARTNERS 
Organisation Verdsian Life Sciences Europe Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Nottingham team is involved in the following aspects of the grant- 1. Mechanism(s) mediating phosphite regulated growth promotion 2. X-ray CT imaging to characterise root architecture in soil. 3. Identifying the mechanisms by which phosphite improves crop resource capture and yield at the whole plant level.
Collaborator Contribution We have six industrial partners. Four of our partners are UK based (Brian Lewis Agricuture Ltd T/A Intracrop, Headland Amenity Ltd, OMEX Agriculture Ltd and Verdesian Life Sciences). The other two are European companies Biolchim S.p.A (Italy) and Trade Corporation International SAU (Spain). Our partners are address the question- In which crops does phosphite exhibit a root promotive effect? They are undertaking a series of studies on biostimulant properties of phosphites in glasshouse and field conditions and thus complement the physiological studies done under more controlled conditions in Nottingham. They also test different formulations, doses and their effect in a range of crops and in different agroclimatic conditions in several different countries including UK, Spain, Italy, Germany, Czech Republic, Finland, Canada and Brazil.
Impact Plant Molecular Biology, Genetics, Crop Physiology, Bioinformatics
Start Year 2017
 
Description Collaboration with Kevin Webb 
Organisation University of Nottingham
Department Faculty of Engineering
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Global food security is a key challenge facing world agriculture. As part of BBSRC LINK grant, we have provided evidence that phosphite improves root biomass and nutrition use efficiency (Mohammed et al 2022, Frontiers in Plant Science, 13:1017048). Thus, phosphite biostimulants offer one possible solution by promoting crop growth and strength under stressful environmental conditions. Understanding of phosphite biodistribution and efficacy on root function is required at the tissue level in order to understand, optimise, and market biostimulants. The Webb lab has recently developed an extremely sensitive Raman microspectroscopy (RMS) imaging platform, and used this custom instrument to extract the world's first dynamic maps of water movement (hydrodynamics) within living plant tissues (Pascut et al, Nature Communications, 2021). We now are collaborating with Webb lab with industrial support from four industrial partners (Biolchim, Intracrop, Tradecorp and Verdesian) and some funding from Royal Microscopic Society, for live phosphite imaging in plants.
Collaborator Contribution The Webb lab has recently developed an extremely sensitive Raman microspectroscopy (RMS) imaging platform, and used this custom instrument to extract the world's first dynamic maps of water movement (hydrodynamics) within living plant tissues (Pascut et al, Nature Communications, 2021). The RMS system in Webb lab has exquisite sensitivity in the exact region of the Raman spectrum where phosphite P-H bonds manifest. Adopting CARS will boost current imaging speeds by three orders of magnitude (from 300ms/point to 60µs/point) allowing video-rate imaging of even highly-fluorescent chlorophyll-containing tissues such as leaves.
Impact Multi-disciplinary collaboraton between School of Biosciences and Applied Optics and Electrophysiology, Faculty of Engineering University of Nottingham and four industrial partners (Biolchim, Intracrop, Tradecorp and Verdesian). To address the knowledge gap on the biodistribution and function of phosphites within plant tissues, we have explored a non-invasive imaging technique based on Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) microscopy to image the biodistribution of phosphite biostimulants within Arabidopsis seedlings. Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) microscopy is an emerging imaging modality based on intrinsic molecular vibrational contrast (chemical contrast) to map distribution and dynamics of biomolecules in-vivo at video-rate . SRS probes the unique vibrations of molecules to map chemistry in space and time, revealing phosphite biodistribution directly in 3D. This approach yielded the first data visualising phosphite biostimulants within plant tissues providing a new possible route to understanding how phosphite biostimulants enhance plant root growth. This new knowledge will provide commercial advantage to industrial partners in a UK/EU market worth ~€1 billion .
Start Year 2021
 
Description Collaboration with Kevin Webb, University of Nottingham 
Organisation University of Nottingham
Department Faculty of Engineering
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We have provided plant material and reagents and limited travel expenses for this collaboration.
Collaborator Contribution The Webb lab has recently developed an extremely sensitive Raman microspectroscopy (RMS) imaging platform, and used this custom instrument to extract the world's first dynamic maps of water movement (hydrodynamics) within living plant tissues (Pascut et al, Nature Communications, 2021). We have started a collaboration with Webb lab for phosphite imaging. No current label-free instrument is capable of mapping phosphites within living plants. However, the RMS system in Webb lab has exquisite sensitivity in the exact region of the Raman spectrum where phosphite P-H bonds manifest. Adopting CARS will boost current imaging speeds by three orders of magnitude (from 300ms/point to 60µs/point) allowing video-rate imaging of even highly-fluorescent chlorophyll-containing tissues such as leaves. Our industry collaborators desire phosphite biodistribution information to inform their marketing and deployment strategies for their products. Webb lab has done some preliminary experiments to generate data for further funding. Since the end of this current BBSRC grant, very recently Webb lab and Swarup lab with industrial support from four industrial partners (Biolchim, Intracrop, Tradecorp and Verdesian) have managed to secure funding for live phosphite imaging in plants. This combination of stakeholders and implementors is optimally designed to achieve direct impact on a key strategic agricultural sector.
Impact Multi-disciplinary collaboraton between School of Biosciences and Applied Optics and Electrophysiology, Faculty of Engineering University of Nottingham and four industrial partners (Biolchim, Intracrop, Tradecorp and Verdesian) have managed to secure funding for live phosphite imaging in plants. This combination of stakeholders and implementors is optimally designed to achieve direct impact on a key strategic agricultural sector.
Start Year 2019
 
Description Collaboration with Kiel University 
Organisation University of Kiel
Country Germany 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Kiel University provided some mechanistic insight in the role of phosphite in improving plant growth and we are testing this further.
Collaborator Contribution Kiel University provided some mechanistic insight in the role of phosphite in improving plant growth and we are testing this further.
Impact A poster and a white paper
Start Year 2019
 
Description Tradecorp Collaboration 2020 
Organisation Eurofins Scientific
Country Luxembourg 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Our partner Tradecorp report new collaboration in 2020. Please see below.
Collaborator Contribution Our partner Tradecorp report new collaboration in 2020. There are new projects ongoing with different research stations and universities, specially thinking about new possibilities of uses of Phosphites, with the information it was learned by the participation of the PBSG. Mainly the new trials are ongoing in: • Lettuce (Spain) • Tomato (Spain and Italy) • Cucumber (Spain) • Pepper (Spain) • Potato (Spain) • Soybean (Brazil) • Table grapes (Italy) The main partners are: • Spain: Eurofins and Innoplant • Brazil: Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFP)
Impact main outputs expected are: - To increase the knowledge of the company on the use of Phosphites as biostimulants - To search for possible candidates as substitutes of the Phosphites market internally in the company - To avoid losing market share and economic incomes
Start Year 2020
 
Description Tradecorp Collaboration 2020 
Organisation Federal University of Paraná
Country Brazil 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Our partner Tradecorp report new collaboration in 2020. Please see below.
Collaborator Contribution Our partner Tradecorp report new collaboration in 2020. There are new projects ongoing with different research stations and universities, specially thinking about new possibilities of uses of Phosphites, with the information it was learned by the participation of the PBSG. Mainly the new trials are ongoing in: • Lettuce (Spain) • Tomato (Spain and Italy) • Cucumber (Spain) • Pepper (Spain) • Potato (Spain) • Soybean (Brazil) • Table grapes (Italy) The main partners are: • Spain: Eurofins and Innoplant • Brazil: Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFP)
Impact main outputs expected are: - To increase the knowledge of the company on the use of Phosphites as biostimulants - To search for possible candidates as substitutes of the Phosphites market internally in the company - To avoid losing market share and economic incomes
Start Year 2020
 
Description 3rd Biostimulant Congress Poster 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact The PI Ranjan Swarup presented a Poster in the 3rd Biostimulant Congress in Miami to raise awareness about this research and influence policy decisions. In addition, our industrial partners Biolchim, Intracrop, Tradecorp also attended the congress and had their stalls and or poster in the congress.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Agronomist training meetings :Intracrop 2019-20 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Agronomist training meetings
33 meetings (22 Meetings in 2019 and 11 meeting in 2020)
? Target: National (UK) and International (EU) professional practitioners (Technical Managers and Agronomists)
? Purpose: Presentation of latest findings and trials results in the mode of action of phosphite and complementary biostimulants
? Outcome: Increase in sales of associated products
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019,2020
 
Description Biolchim engagement with The European Biostimulants Industry Council (EBIC) during EBIC virtual meetings 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Biolchim engagement with The European Biostimulants Industry Council (EBIC) during EBIC virtual meetings. EBIC Phosphite project team is a group of EBIC member companies engaging in activities aimed at making phosphite biostimulants have access to the EU market.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Biostimulant training workshops: Intracrop 2019-20 
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 Biostimulant training workshops
2 workshops in 2019 and 2 in 2020
? Target: National (UK) professional practitioners (Agronomists)
? Purpose: Specific training in the mode of action of phosphite and complementary biostimulants
? Outcome: Increase in sales of associated products
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019,2020
 
Description Engagement Activities Omex Ltd 2021 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Omex Ltd contributed to a promotional article in Spudman in the USA.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Engagement Activities Omex Ltd 2021 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Omex Ltd contributed to a promotional article in Vegetable Grower in the UK in 2021.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Engagement Activities of the Industrial Partner-Brian Lewin Agriculture T/A INTRACROP 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact All our industrial partners have programmes in place to engage with the farmers through information brochures, field visits and those were the channels to engage with the farmers and the wider community. A summary of engagement activities of Brian Lewin Agriculture T/A INTRACROP is summarised below:
Brian Lewin Agriculture T/A INTRACROP:
1xTechnical briefing meetings with Distributors for Knowledge/ information exchange
18 meetings involving 206 Agronomists
2 x Management meetings to decide product strategy and technical positioning and training content.
Attendance at EBIC
Industry Liaison meetings to-pass on knowledge about Phosphites and their benefits with several organisations including Agricultural Development and Advisory Service-ADAS, Agricultural Industries Confederation-AIC and Croptech.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017,2018
 
Description Engagement Activities of the Industrial Partner-Omex Ltd 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact All our industrial partners have programmes in place to engage with the farmers through information brochures, field visits and those were the channels to engage with the farmers and the wider community. A summary of engagement activities of Omex Ltd is below:


Omex Ltd
2017
23-25 October International Biopesticide Manufacturers Association Conference, Basel
14 October UK Onion & Carrot Growers Conference, Nottingham
10 November GroSouth Horticulture Exhibition, Chichester
22-23 November British Potato Event 2018, Harrogate
23 November Midlands Machinery Show, Newark
29-30 November Croptec Conference & Exhibition, Peterborough
4 December Agronomists Briefing Meeting, Farmacy, Norfolk
7-8 December International Fertiliser Society Conference, Cambridge
2018
11 January Distributor Meeting, Irish distributors
11 January International Soft Fruit Conference, Netherlands
17-18 January LAMMA Show, Peterborough
1 February Omex Farmer Meeting, Worksop, Notts
2 February Omex Farmer Meeting, Escrick, Yorkshire
6 February Omex Farmer Meeting, Whaplode, Lincolnshire
7 February Independent Agronomist Briefing, Norfolk
7 February Yorkshire Agricultural Machinery Show
8 February Omex Farmer Meeting, Ely, Cambridgeshire
9 February Omex Farmer Meeting, Bardney, Lincolnshire
13 February Distributor Meeting, Fakenham, Norfolk
14 February Distributor Meeting, Ledbury, Herefordshire
15 February Agrii Northern Farming Conference
15 February Scottish Soft Fruit Conference, Dundee
16 February Omex Farmer Meeting, Grayingham, Lincolnshire
21 February Distributor Meeting, Canterbury, Kent
28 February Independent Agronomist Briefing, Newmarket, Cambridgeshire
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2010,2017,2018
 
Description Engagement activities Nottingham University in year 2 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Ranjan Swarup-PI on this grant was invited by European Biostimulant Indistry Council (EBIC) for a Webinar in May 2018. The webinar was attended by several companies, researchers and experts and was well received. PI got requests for new collaborations and more information.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Engagement activities of Ranjan Swarup University of Nottingham-2022 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Invited speaker 3rd International WIN Conference, Oct 5 2022 Bolgna. Online talk on the role of phoshpite in plant development.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Engagement activities of Tradecorp- Growers Talk in Mexico: Importancia de los fosfitos en la nutrición de los cultivos 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact External event in México - Growers Talk: Importancia de los fosfitos en la nutrición de los cultivos (Importance of phosphite in crop nutrition) - made by Technical Department of Tradecorp Mexico. Webinar for 200 attendees.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Engagement activities of Tradecorp-Sponsor of the 5th International Congress of Applied Nutrition and Plant Physiology 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Tradecorp, sponsor of the 5th International Congress of Applied Nutrition and Plant Physiology
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://tradecorp.com.es/en/tradecorp-sponsor-of-the-5th-international-congress-of-applied-nutrition...
 
Description Engagement activities of Tradecorp-new-leader-of-the-inorganic-substances-task-force-tfio-ebic/ 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact https://tradecorp.com.es/en/irene-sobrado-new-leader-of-the-inorganic-substances-task-force-tfio-ebic/
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://tradecorp.com.es/en/irene-sobrado-new-leader-of-the-inorganic-substances-task-force-tfio-ebi...
 
Description Engagement activities of University of Nottingham 2020-21 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Created a white paper for wider circulation highlighting the role of phosphite.
Circulated through Industrial partners, a University of Nottingham Blog (https://blogs.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences/) and this blog was also tweeted via @UoNBiosciences https://twitter.com/uonbiosciences?lang=en
Though impact and audience is difficult to gauge but likely to be in 100s if not more.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://blogs.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences/
 
Description Engagement activities of University of Nottingham in year 3 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Poster presentation in Biostimulant Congress Barcelona- November 18-21, 2019
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Engagement activities of University of Nottingham in year 3 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Engaged with school age children and their parents in University of Nottingham Open days.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018,2019
 
Description Engagement activities of VLSE 2021 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact EBIC membership, participation and working groups (years: (2016), 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021)
- Verdesian
o were represented in the EBIC board (Martin Brown until April 2021
o are represented in EBIC Project Teams
? Phosphites: Dirk Schröder as working member
? Multiple Use: Dirk Schröder as a consultative member
? Organic Agriculture: Sue Harris as a Co-Leader
? REACH: Sue Harris
? Mid-Term Strategy Committee: Sue Harris
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020,2021
 
Description Engagement activities of VLSE 2021 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact 3rd IVA Biostimulant conference 2021
? <200 participants in 2021
? Public and private extension
? State and Federal authorities
? Fertiliser market control
? Agricultural laboratories
? biostimulant manufacturers
? farmers
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Engagement activities of VLSE 2021 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact IVA (Industrieverband Agrar) - membership, engagement and working groups
- Verdesian
o are represented in the Biostimulant Department
? Dirk Schröder re-elected to IVA biostimulant board in 2020 for a 2nd 2-year term
o contributed to new leaflet on biostimulants which will be distributed at the DLG Field Days 2022
o new Biostimulant leaflet and revised IVA website on Biostimulants by 2021
o influencing German lawmakers, Ag-officials, farmer groups, policy and advising experts with respect to new EU Fertiliser Directive to include phosphites as biostimulants
IVA conferences usually are held in German and attract people from Germany. Austria and Switzerland and sometimes The Netherlands
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018,2019,2020,2021
 
Description Engagement activities of the Industrial partner Biolchim S.p.A. 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Scheduled EBIC webinar on phosphite biostimulant properties
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Engagement activities of the Industrial partner Biolchim in year 3 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Reference to the project within EBIC TF-IOS during EBIC plenary meeting in November (presentation followed by discussion):
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Engagement activities of the Industrial partner Biolchim in year 3 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Publications of the group's work:
On CPM magazine
Poster, Abstract NewAg Barcelona
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Engagement activities of the Industrial partner Headland Amenity Ltd 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact All of the below presentations involve communication on non-pesticidal disease management focussing on Microdochium nivale, Colletotrichum cereale, Sclerotinia homeocarpa, 3 of the main turf pathogens in Europe. The presentations highlight S.T.R.I. research data, field trials data, end-user feedback, working mechanisms and in vitro laboratory research on phosphite along with other non-pesticidal substances. I also covered legislation changes, resistance trends and availability of fungicide technology in the future.

Talk, Presentation or Debate Audience Number -Year

1 November Sustainable turf management presentation, - Football, Rugby, Hockey groundsman, NEC Birmingham INT 120-2017
14 November GCMA National Conference, Directors of golf, stakeholders, general managers, golf courses, Brooklands NAT 150-2017
16 November BIGGA Regional Conference - South East, Writtle College LOC 120-2017
11 January GCMA South Coast - - Directors of golf, stakeholders, general managers, Golf Courses, Littlehampton LOC 50-2018
22 January BIGGA Turf Management Conference - Presentation to golf course managers, turfgrass researchers, Harrogate INT 150-2018
24 January Young Turf Managers Conference - Presentation to greenkeepers, National Conference, Harrogate INT 150-2018
22 February Racecourse Association National Conference - Clerks of Course, Groundsman, Horse Racing, Birmingham NAT 120-2018
26 February Burhill Golf Group - General managers, Directors of Golf, Milton Keynes NAT 50-2018
27 February BIGGA Regional Conference - South Coast , Salisbury LOC 120-2018

BIGGA = British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association, GCMA = Golf Course Managers Association, IOG = Institute of Groundsman
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017,2018
 
Description Engagement activities of the Industrial partner Headland Amenity Ltd 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact All of the below presentations involve communication on non-pesticidal disease management focussing on Microdochium nivale, Colletotrichum cereale, Sclerotinia homeocarpa, 3 of the main turf pathogens in Europe. The presentations highlight S.T.R.I. research data, field trials data, end-user feedback, working mechanisms and in vitro laboratory research on phosphite along with other non-pesticidal substances. I also covered legislation changes, resistance trends and availability of fungicide technology in the future.

Event, Workshop or Similar Audience Number -Year

2017
4-5 October Technical Briefing - Fenaco distributor management and field staff, Basel, Switzerland INT 40-2017
11-12 October Technical Briefing - Cropcare distributor management and field staff, Dublin, Ireland INT 10-2017
17 October Wentworth Golf Club - Golf course managers and greenkeepers, Wentworth LOC 30-2017
1-2 November IOG Saltex Exhibition, NEC, Birmingham INT 2,000-2017
7 December Burhill Golf Group - Technical Briefing - Golf course managers, Bristol NAT 20-2017
14 December Crown Golf Group - Technical Briefing - Golf course managers, Guildford NAT 50-2017
2018
23-25 January BIGGA Exhibition INT 2,000-2018
31 January London Golf Club - Golf course managers and greenkeepers, Maidstone, Kent LOC 30-2018
8 February Celtic Manor Golf Club, Ryder Cup Venue - Golf course managers and greenkeepers, Newport, Wales LOC 30-2018
22 February The Belfry, Ryder Cup Venue - Golf course managers and greenkeepers, Birmingham LOC 30-2018
26 February Woburn Golf Club - Golf course managers and greenkeepers, Milton Keynes LOC 30-2018

BIGGA = British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association, GCMA = Golf Course Managers Association, IOG = Institute of Groundsman
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017,2018
 
Description Engagement activities of the Industrial partner Intracrop in year 2 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact By who To Response Numbers
Duncan Findlay Chemspec Positive 10+
Duncan Findlay DKB Positive 20+
Duncan Findlay ECM Positive 20+
Duncan Findlay Simister Positive 10+
Duncan Findlay Procam Positive 50+
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Engagement activities of the Industrial partner Intracrop in year 2 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact By Who To Who Response Attendance Numbers

Duncan Findlay Sudau Agro Germany Positive 25+
Lithuania Positive 10+
Estonia Positive 10+
Mark Wood Terrachem Eire Positive 10+
Mark Wood Agro Est Romania Positive 20+
Mark Wood Sunagro Turkey Positive 20+
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Engagement activities of the Industrial partner Intracrop in year 2 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact By Who To whom Response Numbers

Mark Wood Harlow Agriculture Positive 20+
Mark Wood Bartholomews Positive 20+
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Engagement activities of the Industrial partner Intracrop in year 2 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact By Who To Who Response Attendance Numbers

Duncan Findlay Frontier Positive 100+
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Engagement activities of the Industrial partner Intracrop in year 2 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Phosphite use, timing, mode of action, use in a biostimulant program.

There have been Agronomists, technical managers and business influencers present at all meetings
By Who To Who Response Attendance Numbers

Duncan Findlay Agronomy Supplies Positive 10+
Duncan Findlay Zantra Positive 50+
Duncan Findlay Andrew Davies Agriculture Positive 10+
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Engagement activities of the Industrial partner Intracrop in year 2 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact By who To who Response Numbers
Mark Wood Goldcrop Eire Positive 20+
Mark Wood Nordisk Alkali Sweden Positive 25+
Mark Wood Agrometry Hungary Positive 10+
Mark Wood Nutritech Russia Positive 50+
Mark Wood Arysta Poland Positive 25+
Mark Wood Arysta Slovakia Positive 10+
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Engagement activities of the Industrial partner Intracrop in year 2 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact By who To whom Response numbers
Mark Palmer Biochem Romania Positive 20+
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Engagement activities of the Industrial partner Omex Ltd in year 2 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Article about the benefits of Kickstart (potassium phosphite) on the OMEX Blog
Oct 2018)
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://blog.omex.co.uk/how-to-kickstart-your-crops/
 
Description Engagement activities of the Industrial partner Omex Ltd in year 3 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Results of potassium phosphite trials on cereals presented at Omex farmer briefings February 2020, 5 meetings approx. 250 grower attendees.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Engagement activities of the Industrial partner Omex Ltd in year 3 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Article in Autumn edition of Omex Analysis magazine which goes out quarterly to all readers of Farmers Weekly (av. Circulation 41,533).
Knowledge transfer to end users and their advisers to encourage use of the technology in the ways most likely to have economic benefit to farmers
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Engagement activities of the Industrial partner Omex Ltd in year 3 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Web and social media releases on the benefits of phosphite applications on crop development
Knowledge transfer to end users and their advisers to encourage use of the technology in the ways most likely to have economic benefit to farmers
https://www.omex.com/blog/combatting-stressful-weather-conditions/ (Feb 2020)
https://www.omex.com/blog/kickstart-your-crops/ (Jan 2020)
https://www.omex.com/blog/the-importance-of-getting-the-crop-off-to-the-right-start/ (Jul 2019)
https://www.omex.com/blog/rooting-is-key/ (Dec 2018)
1,397 followers for the Twitter/Blog articles
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018,2019,2020
URL https://www.omex.com/blog/combatting-stressful-weather-conditions/
 
Description Engagement activities of the Industrial partner Omex Ltd in year 3 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Phosphite trials covered at meetings with distributor and independent agronomist Jan-Mar 2020, approx. 20 meetings, around 250 agronomists. Trial site at Heckington visited by international groups from China and Brazil in 2019, approx. 100 visitors
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019,2020
 
Description Engagement activities of the Industrial partner VLSC Ltd in year 3 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact o DLG Field Days: biannual international event in Germany attended by approx. 20000 visitors. IVA had a stand dedicated to Biostimulants, including phosphite based biostimulants. Public interest was very high, and the concept of biostimulants and phosphite as an active was presented and discussed.
o Grüne Woche: annual international event, attracting a wider audience, including policymakers, party officials and representants from the food industry.
o Biostimulant Symposium 2019: by invitation only, however, overbooked. About 120 representatives from private and public sector: ministries of ag, chambers of agriculture, agricultural laboratories, extension and ag. management
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018,2019,2020
 
Description Engagement activities of the Industrial partner Verdesian Life Sciences Europe Ltd 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact All our industrial partners have programmes in place to engage with the farmers through information brochures, field visits and those were the channels to engage with the farmers and the wider community. A summary of engagement activities of Verdesian Life Sciences Europe Ltd. (VLSE) is summarised below:

Verdesian Life Sciences Europe Ltd. (VLSE)
Recent activities/contributions
• VLSE are a member of EBIC
o As part of the EBIC delegation Dirk Schroder prepared and attended the DG SANTE (European Commission) meeting (Feb 2, 2018)
o Sue Harris is working with the EBIC inorganic substances group

• VSLE are a member of IVA Industrieverband Agrar (German Agricultural Industry Association), Biostimulant working group (Dirk is vice chairperson)
o work to prepare IVA meeting with Federal Ministry of Agriculture end of Feb 2018

• REACH
o VLSE are member of the REACH consortium for di-ammonium phosphite, di-potassium phosphite and mono-potassium phosphite
o working towards REACH registration, submission by May, 2018.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017,2018
 
Description Headland Amenity Management & Prediction of Microdochium nivale, Dublin, U. K. Nov 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Management & Prediction of Microdochium nivale, Dublin, U. K
Talk presented to GCSAI & groundsman highlighting climatic and legislation changes and presenting data from in vitro work conducted at FERA (Food & Environmental Research Agency) and S.T.R.I Trials on non-pesticidal disease management. Talk presented initial findings from BBSRC research and highlighted the recent introduction of new E.U fertiliser regulations. Talked discussed implementation of a non-pesticidal IPM program.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Headland Amenity S.T.R.I Research Event, Bingley Yorkshire Sept 2019. 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact S.T.R.I Research Event, Bingley Yorkshire
International research event for turfgrass researchers, end-users
Number 220

Presentation involving communication on non-pesticidal disease management- focussing on Microdochium nivale, Colletotrichum cereale, Sclerotinia homeocarpa, 3 of the main turf pathogens in Europe. The presentation highlights S.T.R.I. research data, field trials data, end-user feedback, working mechanisms and in vitro laboratory research on phosphite along with other non-pesticidal substances. It also covered legislation changes, resistance trends and availability of fungicide technology in the past, present and future.

This years and last year's work has gained significance because of the loss of propiconazole from the managed amenity turf sector. This product was the main stay systemic fungicide previously used to manage both Microdochium nivale and Colletotrichum cereale. Greenkeepers and Groundsman are looking for guidance on how to create and implement an effective IPM program against a backdrop of loss of pesticide actives and greater climatic drivers. The results from the BBSRC research indicating a plant physiology-based effect have helped the managed-amenity turf industry develop more effective non-pesticidal IPM programs in the absence of effective pesticides.

In the European market, phosphites are being selectively removed from sale due to the publication of the E.U fertiliser regulations, this engagement is critical to re-evaluation of the classification of phosphites in the turf market. The presentation of this work has led to engagement with decision makers in involved in the classification of phosphites in Holland, Germany, Portugal, Switzerland and Ireland specifically. Headland Amenity is also involved with advising the status of phosphites in Europe to the American turf market through correspondence with Beth Guertal, Professor of Turf Management and Soil Fertility at Auburn University, Alabama, US. On the strength of this collaboration Headland Amenity has been asked to submit a paper to the International Turfgrass Research Conference in July 2021, Copenhagen on the working mechanism of phosphites.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Headland Amenity attended a DEFRA workshop-How can we minimise chemical pesticide usage in the amenity sector? 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs organised workshop.
How can we minimise chemical pesticide usage in the amenity sector? - July 13th, 2020.
Robbie Jones
External Communications & Stakeholder Engagement | Chemicals & Pesticides: EU Exit Policy - Project Delivery
During this consultation Headland Amenity stated the case for the continued use of non-pesticidal products to reduce our dependency on pesticides and highlighted the work done at Nottingham University with the BBSRC grant / stakeholders and phosphite. Primarily the consultation was aimed at establishing a framework after we left the E.U.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Headland Amenity management and field staff, U. K 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Study participants or study members
Results and Impact Headland Amenity management and field staff, U. K
Engagement with 20 National audience.
Due to the pandemic, no shows, exhibitions or seminars were undertaken.
Virtual briefing was conducted on Microdochium nivale suppression and maximising plant health using combinations of elicitor, hardeners and phosphites.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Headland Amenity- Virtual Technical Briefing Juliwa Hesa distributor management and field staff, Heidelberg, Germany 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Study participants or study members
Results and Impact Virtual Technical Briefing Juliwa Hesa distributor management and field staff, Heidelberg, Germany
Engagement with 30 International audience.
Due to the pandemic, no shows, exhibitions or seminars were undertaken.
Virtual briefing was conducted on Microdochium nivale suppression and maximising plant health using combinations of elicitor, hardeners and phosphites.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Headland Amenity- Virtual Technical Briefing Cropcare management and field staff, Dublin, Ireland 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Study participants or study members
Results and Impact Cropcare management and field staff, Dublin, Ireland
Engagement with 10 International audience.
Due to the pandemic, no shows, exhibitions or seminars were undertaken.
Virtual briefing was conducted on Microdochium nivale suppression and maximising plant health using combinations of elicitor, hardeners and phosphites.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Headland Amenity- Virtual Technical Briefing Fenaco distributor management and field staff, Basel, Switzerland 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Study participants or study members
Results and Impact Virtual Technical Briefing Fenaco distributor management and field staff, Basel, Switzerland (Oct 2020)
Engagement with 40 International audience.
Due to the pandemic, no shows, exhibitions or seminars were undertaken.
Virtual briefing was conducted on Microdochium nivale suppression and maximising plant health using combinations of elicitor, hardeners and phosphites.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Headland Amenity-BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition, Harrogate, Yorkshire-Jan 2020 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition, Harrogate, Yorkshire
International Turf management exhibition
Number 2500

Presentation involving communication on non-pesticidal disease management- focussing on Microdochium nivale, Colletotrichum cereale, Sclerotinia homeocarpa, 3 of the main turf pathogens in Europe. The presentation highlights S.T.R.I. research data, field trials data, end-user feedback, working mechanisms and in vitro laboratory research on phosphite along with other non-pesticidal substances. It also covered legislation changes, resistance trends and availability of fungicide technology in the past, present and future. This years and last year's work has gained significance because of the loss of propiconazole from the managed amenity turf sector. This product was the main stay systemic fungicide previously used to manage both Microdochium nivale and Colletotrichum cereale. Greenkeepers and Groundsman are looking for guidance on how to create and implement an effective IPM program against a backdrop of loss of pesticide actives and greater climatic drivers. The results from the BBSRC research indicating a plant physiology-based effect have helped the managed-amenity turf industry develop more effective non-pesticidal IPM programs in the absence of effective pesticides. In the European market, phosphites are being selectively removed from sale due to the publication of the E.U fertiliser regulations, this engagement is critical to re-evaluation of the classification of phosphites in the turf market. The presentation of this work has led to engagement with decision makers in involved in the classification of phosphites in Holland, Germany, Portugal, Switzerland and Ireland specifically. Headland Amenity is also involved with advising the status of phosphites in Europe to the American turf market through correspondence with Beth Guertal, Professor of Turf Management and Soil Fertility at Auburn University, Alabama, US. On the strength of this collaboration Headland Amenity has been asked to submit a paper to the International Turfgrass Research Conference in July 2021, Copenhagen on the working mechanism of phosphites.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Headland Amenity-Down the line, Dublin, U. K. Nov 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Down the line, Dublin, U. K
Talk presented covered climate change, disease management, environmental impact of the turfgrass industry and forthcoming E.U legislation. GCSAI, groundsman.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Headland Amenity-Legislation and climatic drivers to Microdochium nivale development, St Neots, U. K. March 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Legislation and climatic drivers to Microdochium nivale development, St Neots, U. K
Talk presented to Burhill Golf Group and end-users highlighting climatic and legislation changes and presenting data from in vitro work conducted at FERA (Food & Environmental Research Agency) and S.T.R.I Trials on non-pesticidal disease management
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Headland Amenity-Legislation and climatic drivers to Microdochium nivale development, Swindon, U. K. Nov 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Legislation and climatic drivers to Microdochium nivale development, Swindon, U. K
Talk presented to GCMA - Golf Course Managers Association highlighting climatic and legislation changes and presenting data from in vitro work conducted at FERA (Food & Environmental Research Agency) and S.T.R.I Trials on non-pesticidal disease management U.K
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Headland Amenity-Management & Prediction of Microdochium nivale and Clarireedia homeocarpa, Wimbledon All-England Tennis Club, U. K. July 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Management & Prediction of Microdochium nivale and Clarireedia homeocarpa, Wimbledon All-England Tennis Club, U. K
Talk presented to international tennis groundsman and end-users highlighting climatic and legislation changes and presenting data from in vitro work conducted at FERA (Food & Environmental Research Agency) and S.T.R.I Trials on non-pesticidal disease management. Talk presented initial findings from BBSRC research and highlighted the recent introduction of new E.U fertiliser regulations.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Headland Amenity-Management & Prediction of turf-based diseases specifically Dollar Spot - Clarireedia homeocarpa, Faro, Portugal. April 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Management & Prediction of turf-based diseases specifically Dollar Spot - Clarireedia homeocarpa, Faro, Portugal
Talk presented to Portuguese Greenkeeper Federation and end-users highlighting climatic and legislation changes and presenting data from in vitro work conducted at FERA (Food & Environmental Research Agency) and S.T.R.I Trials on non-pesticidal disease management. Talk presented initial findings from BBSRC research and highlighted the recent introduction of new E.U fertiliser regulations.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Headland Amenity-Management & Prediction of turf-based diseases specifically Dollar Spot - Clarireedia homeocarpa, Hamburg, Germany, Nov 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Management & Prediction of turf-based diseases specifically Dollar Spot - Clarireedia homeocarpa, Hamburg, Germany
Talk presented to North German Greenkeepers Federation and end-users highlighting climatic and legislation changes and presenting data from in vitro work conducted at FERA (Food & Environmental Research Agency) and S.T.R.I Trials on non-pesticidal disease management. Talk presented initial findings from BBSRC research and highlighted the recent introduction of new E.U fertiliser regulations.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Headland Amenity-Non-pesticidal management & Prediction of Microdochium nivale, Sports Turf Research Institute, Bingley, U. K. Sept 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Non-pesticidal management & Prediction of Microdochium nivale, Sports Turf Research Institute, Bingley, U. K
Talk presented to greenkeepers and groundsman highlighting climatic and legislation changes and presenting data from in vitro work conducted at FERA (Food & Environmental Research Agency) and S.T.R.I Trials on non-pesticidal disease management. Talk presented initial findings from BBSRC research and highlighted the recent introduction of new E.U fertiliser regulations.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Headland Amenity-Saltex Exhibition, NEC, Birmingham-Nov 2019. 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Saltex Exhibition, NEC, Birmingham
International exhibition for the turfgrass industry end-users
Numebr 1500

Presentation involving communication on non-pesticidal disease management- focussing on Microdochium nivale, Colletotrichum cereale, Sclerotinia homeocarpa, 3 of the main turf pathogens in Europe. The presentation highlights S.T.R.I. research data, field trials data, end-user feedback, working mechanisms and in vitro laboratory research on phosphite along with other non-pesticidal substances. It also covered legislation changes, resistance trends and availability of fungicide technology in the past, present and future. This years and last year's work has gained significance because of the loss of propiconazole from the managed amenity turf sector. This product was the main stay systemic fungicide previously used to manage both Microdochium nivale and Colletotrichum cereale. Greenkeepers and Groundsman are looking for guidance on how to create and implement an effective IPM program against a backdrop of loss of pesticide actives and greater climatic drivers. The results from the BBSRC research indicating a plant physiology-based effect have helped the managed-amenity turf industry develop more effective non-pesticidal IPM programs in the absence of effective pesticides. In the European market, phosphites are being selectively removed from sale due to the publication of the E.U fertiliser regulations, this engagement is critical to re-evaluation of the classification of phosphites in the turf market. The presentation of this work has led to engagement with decision makers in involved in the classification of phosphites in Holland, Germany, Portugal, Switzerland and Ireland specifically. Headland Amenity is also involved with advising the status of phosphites in Europe to the American turf market through correspondence with Beth Guertal, Professor of Turf Management and Soil Fertility at Auburn University, Alabama, US. On the strength of this collaboration Headland Amenity has been asked to submit a paper to the International Turfgrass Research Conference in July 2021, Copenhagen on the working mechanism of phosphites.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Headland Amenity-Technical Briefing- Juliwa Hesa distributor management and field staff, Heidelberg, Germany. Sept 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Technical Briefing Juliwa Hesa distributor management and field staff, Heidelberg, Germany
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Headland Amenity-Technical Briefings-Fenaco distributor management and field staff, Basel, Switzerland. Oct 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Technical Briefing Fenaco distributor management and field staff, Basel, Switzerland
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Headland Amenity-Virtual Technical Briefing Vos Capelle management and field staff, 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Study participants or study members
Results and Impact Virtual Technical Briefing Vos Capelle management and field staff,
Engagement with 15 International audience.
Due to the pandemic, no shows, exhibitions or seminars were undertaken.
Virtual briefing was conducted on Microdochium nivale suppression and maximising plant health using combinations of elicitor, hardeners and phosphites.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Headland Aminity-Technical Briefing Vos Capelle management and field staff, Harrogate, U. K. Jan 2020 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Technical Briefing Vos Capelle management and field staff, Harrogate, U. K
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Headland Aminity-Technical Briefing-Cropcare management and field staff, Dublin, Ireland. Jan 2020 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Technical Briefing Cropcare management and field staff, Dublin, Ireland
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Headland Aminity-Technical Briefing-Headland Amenity management and field staff, Witney, U. K. jan 2020 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Technical Briefing Headland Amenity management and field staff, Witney, U. K
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Intracrop communication activities 2019-20 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Mode of phosphite action- infographic sheet 1
Mode of phosphite action and function- Video 1
Mode of phosphite action and general guidelines-Technical bulletins 4
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019,2020
URL http://www.intracrop.co.uk
 
Description Nottingham Engagement Activities with business 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Engagement with industry
There are six industrial partners in this BBSRC link grant. They are engaged primarily through direct face to face quarterly meetings as well monthly video conference. The research was also presented at The 3rd Biostimulants World Congress, Miami, USA, November 2017 that had a big industrial presence.
Some of the partners are members of the European Biostimulant Industry Council.
As part of the engagement with the Industry, Ranjan Swarup, the PI of this grant has accepted an invitation from European Biostimulant Industry Council for a Webinar.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017,2018
 
Description Origin Amenity field staff, U. K 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Study participants or study members
Results and Impact Origin Amenity field staff, U. K
Engagement with 30 National audience.
Due to the pandemic, no shows, exhibitions or seminars were undertaken.
Virtual briefing was conducted on Microdochium nivale suppression and maximising plant health using combinations of elicitor, hardeners and phosphites.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description VLSE- 2nd IVA Biostimulant conference 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact o 2nd IVA Biostimulant conference - held a s a webinar in September 2020
? >180 participants
? Public and private extension
? State authorities
? Fertiliser market control
? Agricultural laboratories
? farmers
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020