Role of indigenous and inoculated Trichoderma spp. in managing soilborne fungal diseases
Posted 11th December 2019 by Joshua Sewell
David Butler is Associate Professor at the University of Tennessee, USA. His research focuses on soil-plant and soil-plant-microbe relationships in horticultural cropping systems. In particular, David is interested in understanding non-chemical and biological soil disinfestation techniques and their mechanisms of pathogen control, the effect of alternative soil disinfestation practices on soil fertility and crop nutrition, and the how the nutrient cycle dynamics of annual and perennial cover crops can alter to improve crop nutrition.
Major resistance genes in cereals
Posted 6th February 2019 by Joshua Sewell
Cereal crops, such as wheat, maize, rice, barley, sorghum and millets, account for more than half of the global harvest and provide staple foods around the world.
However, viruses, bacteria, water moulds and fungi can limit access to nutrients, reduce yields and can even cause entire crops to fail. Some diseases can also produce toxins that are harmful to humans and animals. To protect food security, identifying disease resistant genes is crucial.
Bringing your Biopesticides to Market
Posted 7th May 2018 by Jane Williams
The application of crop biotechnology in agriculture has permitted an enhanced level of income to farmers and environmental benefits, while also reducing cropland expansion. Insect-protected crops, such as corn, showed more than 10% increase in yield worldwide and insect-protected corn and cotton augmented farm income by >$56 billion between 1996 and 2001.
There are important factors to consider to ensure the value and the benefits of these products. These relate to their mode of delivery from suppliers to end users, including correct shipping, storage as well as user education.