Harnessing nature for crop protection

KTN’s Dr Liliya Serazetdinova is chairing the plenary and speaking about KTN support for the Agri-Food sector at the Greenwich Biopesticides Event.

 

Since the first origins of agriculture a constant battle has been taking place between farmers and the pests, weeds and diseases that adversely affect crop production, food quality and safety. In order to safeguard our food supply it necessary to use methods and tools – including pesticides – to protect crops and reduce health risks.

Various alternatives are being developed including biopesticides and Integrated Pest Management strategies (IPM). Biopesticides are derived from natural materials such as animals, plants, bacteria, and minerals. For example, beneficial insects can be introduced that eat or parasitise specific pests, and microbial pesticides can be used to control certain insect larvae.

Biopesticides can offer various advantages – they are usually less toxic than conventional pesticides, more targeted and therefore less harmful to non-target species, can often be used in small quantities, and are generally less polluting to the environment. When used as part of an integrated pest management programme they can also help reduce the use of conventional pesticides.

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The sixth Greenwich Biopesticides event organised by Enterprise Europe Network and the Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich is taking place on 12th of April 2018 in the University’s historic campus in London. Building on the success from the past editions, the 2018 Biopesticide event will gather together researchers, industry leaders, and regulators in the sustainable agriculture field from UK and Europe who will be given an opportunity to talk about the latest developments and negotiate on future partnerships.

KTN’s Dr Liliya Serazetdinova¬†will be chairing the plenary session, in her role as Honorary Secretary for the SCI Agrisciences Group. Liliya will also be speaking on the topic of¬†KTN support for the Agri-Food sector.

The day is aimed at Integrated Pest Management/Biopesticide technology stakeholders, researchers and suppliers of current and new technologies, manufacturers, regulatory and government organisations and of course the farmer and grower communities who are required to use IPM principles and methodologies.

The network forum encourages and facilitates delegates to establish linkages with other players in the sector to identify gaps and barriers and seize opportunities to collaborate as the pressures increase to reduce reliance on chemical usage.

The free-to-attend event will begin with a mix of plenary presentations by invited speakers and several ten minute commercial ‘pitch’ presentations from companies or researchers.¬† These talks are followed by a brokerage session where delegates can participate in 1-to-1 pre-planned meetings aimed at future collaborations.

Find out more and register here.

 

If you would like to discuss opportunities for innovation in crop protection please contact Dr Liliya Serazetdinova, Knowledge Transfer Manager, AgriFood.

 

Like this story? You may also be interested in these articles on related themes:

Producing the food of the future with help from the Internet of Agri-Things

How emerging imaging technologies are helping the agri-food sector

Harnessing the power of Big Data in Agri-Food supply chains

Agri-Tech Investment Showcase boosts companies seeking investment

 

You may wish to register for these KTN events:

Emerging Imaging Technologies in Agri-Food Workshop – 23 January 2018, Birmingham