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Posted in IPM, News on May 13, 2022| Leave a Comment »
For IPM news from the IPM Innovation Lab check out the url:
Posted in Meetings, News, Pests, Plant Pathogens, Weeds on May 3, 2022| Leave a Comment »
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![]() From the President 75th Anniversary Symposium and Conference Photo Competition NZPPS Medal 2021 Scholarship Winners Members in the News Related Events NZPPS Books NZPPS Corporate Members Contacts We look forward to your feedback.From the President The next conference, at the Christchurch Town Hall, in August 2022, will be a celebration of 75 years of the Plant Protection Society. Several ideas to mark the 75th anniversary are in progress, some of which are reported in this newsletter. To begin with, a special 75th anniversary logo was designed for this year, which is depicted in this newsletter and on the website. Those of you with keen eyes may notice some slight modifications to the logo. Since we engaged a professional graphic designer to create the 75th logo and a new banner, it was a good opportunity to make some improvements to the existing logo. The revised logo is higher resolution, and the arrows embracing the plant have been tightened and made more fluid. The colour version uses a two-tone approach, with light and dark green, giving a more unique and modern look. Importantly, the logo remains the same, as it still captures the essential purpose of the Society ‘to pool and exchange information’ related to plant protection. Given the anniversary occasion, it is timely to reflect on the history and meaning of Society’s logos, past and present. In the formative years of the Society, as a weed-control conference, there was no logo but, from 1962 until 1983, the cover of the published proceedings featured an illustration of a weed or pest. In 1984, the Society developed its first logo, which was the depiction of a weed (possibly a buttercup species) and a pest (a scarab grub), contained within a hexagon. The weed was in the light (aboveground) section, and the scarab in the dark (belowground) section. At a glance, it is a literal depiction of the focus of the Society at the time, weeds and pests.However, the logo possibly had greater significance, reflecting a shift in thinking at the time, away from pesticides as the panacea, towards integrated pest management. Hexagons are ubiquitous in nature and used to symbolise harmony. And the perfectly balanced dark and light halves of the harmonious hexagon conjure a yin and yang interconnectedness. As the scope of the society further evolved, encompassing plant protection research and extension activities in the broadest sense, a new logo was needed. In 1996, the Society adopted its current logo, which was described by the President at the time, Richard Falloon, in his Presidential Address at the 49th conference. The arrows indicate interactions and information exchange that occurs through the interdisciplinary approach to plant protection. The protective circle conveys plant health resulting from plant-protection activities, and sustained plant health is depicted as the plant grows through the circle. I do not know who designed either of the logos, and I have possibly over interpreted the first logo. If any members know more about the logos or their designers, please get in touch. In the coming months, the Executive will be reaching out to previous Presidents and others who have had an enduring impact on the Society to invite them to share their reminiscences, learn about past success stories, and receive advice for the future. Mark your calendars, submit your abstracts, and stay tuned for more news about this year’s symposium and conference. Mike Cripps ![]() Christchurch Town Hall.Dame Juliet Gerrard will give the conference opening address on Tuesday 9 August.Symposium: 8 August 2022 Plant pathogens that keep us awake: past, present and future threats to native species. https://nzpps.org/events/nzpps-symposium-2022/A day of invited presentations focussed on microbial threats to our native taonga plants. Leading scientists, kaitiaki, international experts and representatives from government agencies will bring attendees up to date with progress on myrtle rust, kauri dieback, Pacific biosecurity, Ceratocystis, Xylella and more. The day will conclude with a networking and poster session. Those interested in submitting a poster for the symposium should submit an abstract (maximum 250 words) to Renee Johansen (JohansenR@landcareresearch.co.nz) by 31 May 2022. Conference: 9-11 August 2022 Celebrating 75 years of the New Zealand Plant Protection Society https://nzpps.org/events/nzpps-conference-2022/ Three full days of presentations including special sessions, conference dinner with 75th anniversary cake for dessert and a slideshow of competition photos. The first session on Tues 9 August has been reserved for participants who wish to present a talk on the symposium topic. Abstract submission for the 2022 conference is open. Deadline is 30 April 2022. ![]() Photo Competition Get clicking and enter your pictures here for the 75th anniversary photo competition. The photo within each category with the most member votes wins. Categories: Plant protection in action Plant pests Plant diseases Plant weeds The growing crop Plant protection science People in plant protection Winners and their photos will be showcased on the NZPPS website, at the conference and in the newsletter. Closing date: 30 June 2022. ![]() Deadline 1 July 2022.2021 NZPPS Research ScholarshipAshleigh Mosen is an MSc student at Massey University.Development of a novel disease control strategy to protect Pinus radiata from Dothistroma needle blight. ![]() My project explores the potential for applications of this technology by using RNA molecules, that specifically target and silence pathogen genes, to effectively lower the virulence of the pathogen. The candidate genes DsAflR (dothistromin pathway regulatory protein) and eGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein) were pursued as targets for RNA silencing trials. As a result, dothistromin production and virulence of the pathogen is expected to be reduced, and decreased DNB symptoms on pine. Confocal microscopy analyses have been performed demonstrating dsRNA uptake into fungal cells. In vitro and in planta silencing trials suggest no clear evidence whether there is knockdown of AflR and eGFP. However quantitative real time PCR analyses are in progress to determine if there is a reduction in transcript levels. Disease symptoms have been monitored on infected pine needles and are showing reduced lesions, as a result of spraying with dsRNA targeting AflR. In combination, biomass assays will verify if there is a reduction in fungal biomass and hence suppressed virulence. The effects of timing and concentration of the dsRNAs have been established to achieve maximum silencing. By the end of my project I hope to determine if treatment with the dsRNA has had any effects in terms of suppression of the target genes and create a framework to optimise silencing in this forest pathogen for future studies. This could be an effective solution to augment current control measures and could be applicable to agricultural and horticultural disease control. My project is of great importance to NZ, its forest industries, and other plant-based industries. This will be the first study of its kind in NZ, which will be a blueprint for controlling other forest, agricultural and horticultural pathogens.Dan Watkins Scholarship in Weed Science Robert Gibson II is a PhD student at Lincoln University. Establishment risk of wilding Pinus radiata and its hybrid in New Zealand high country. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() For sale There is a 10% discount for NZPPS members on NZPPS titles purchased from Nationwide Book Distributors: 351 Kirikiri Road, Oxford 7495 Phone: 0800 990 123 Email: books@nationwidebooks.co.nz Web: http://www.nationwidebooks.co.nzBest sellers include: Farewell Silent Spring – the New Zealand Apple Story An Illustrated Guide to Common Weeds of New Zealand (Third Edition) An Illustrated Guide to Weed Seeds of New Zealand An Illustrated Guide to Common Grasses, Sedges and Rushes of New Zealand A Guide to the Identification of New Zealand Weeds in ColourFree to NZPPS members:Hard copies of: Future Challenges in Crop Protection Surveillance for Biosecurity2010 Microbial Products Paddock to PCR The Plant Protection Data Toolbox Utilising Plant Defences for Pest Control Contact the Secretary at secretary@nzpps.org if you would like one.NZPPS Corporate MembersAgResearch Ltd Adama New Zealand Ltd Arxada New Zealand Ltd BASF New Zealand Ltd Bayer New Zealand Ltd Corteva Agriscience Environmental Protection Authority Foundation for Arable Research Horticulture New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand Apples & Pears Inc. New Zealand Avocado New Zealand Winegrowers Nufarm NZ Limited Peak Research Limited Scion Staphyt Research Ltd Syngenta Crop Protection Ltd The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Ltd UPL New Zealand Ltd Zespri International Ltd |
ContactsPresident Dr Mike Cripps AgResearch Christchurch Ph: (03) 325 9936 mike.cripps@agresearch.co.nz Vice President Dr Hayley Ridgway Plant & Food Research Christchurch Ph: (03) 325 9450 Hayley.Ridgway@plantandfood.co.nz Immediate Past President Dr Eirian Jones Lincoln University Christchurch Ph: (03) 423 0746 Eirian.jones@lincoln.ac.nz Secretary Jenny Taylor PO Box 21839 Henderson 0650 Ph: (09) 8128506 Mob: (027) 477 9821 secretary@nzpps.org Treasurer Dr Jason Smith Horteye Ltd Nelson Mob: (027) 249 9370 jason@horteye.co.nz Journal Editor/ Communications Manager Dr Ruth Falshaw Mahana Editing Services Rotorua Mob: (027) 380 9839 nzppeditor@outlook.com Website Editor Mike Barley mike@hortplus.comCommittee Members Rebecca Campbell, Plant & Food Research, Motueka Joy Tyson, Plant & Food Research, Auckland Stephen McKennie, Arxada NZ Ltd, Auckland Laura Tomiczek, Ministry for Primary Industries, Auckland Rebecca Fisher, Horticulture New Zealand, Wellington Dr Soonie Chng, Plant & Food Research, LincolnCopyright © 2022 New Zealand Plant Protection Society Inc.All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: secretary@nzpps.org Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. |
Posted in News on January 2, 2022| Leave a Comment »
Researchers named the subterranean animal Eumillipes persephone after the Greek goddess of the underworld
Donna Lu@donnadluThu 16 Dec 2021 11.30 EST
The species, which is the first “true” millipede, has 1,306 legs and was found up to 60 metres underground in a mining area in the Eastern Goldfields region of WA.
Researchers have named the new species Eumillipes persephone, in reference to the Greek goddess of the underworld, Persephone.
It breaks the previous record set by Illacme plenipes, which is found in central California and has up to 750 legs.
A team of researchers discovered the millipede while conducting a subterranean environmental impact assessment.AdvertisementUS judge delivers double setback to Prince Andrew’sabuse case battlehttps://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.493.0_en.html#goog_1243527239https://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.493.0_en.html#goog_2057871846https://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.493.0_en.html#goog_657626365
Dr Bruno Buzatto, a biologist at Bennelongia Environmental Consultants, described the find as “incredibly lucky”.
“These animals were so unique,” Buzatto said. “As soon as I realised how long they were … I realised they had to be something completely different.”
The species has a long, thread-like body comprising up to 330 segments, with short legs and a cone-shaped head. Like other animals that live in constant darkness, it is blind and pale.
Dr Juanita Rodriguez, a research collaborator and CSIRO insect expert, said the new species had likely evolved its length for ease of movement underground.
“The more length you have, the more strength to propel forward,” she said. The millipede’s more than 300 body segments would also give it greater force for movement in rocky areas such as small crevices, she said.
In comparison, the Portuguese millipede – a common invasive species in Australia typically seen in high numbers after heavy rain – has around 25 segments, Rodriguez said. In 2013, a Portuguese millipede infestation was reportedly responsible for a train collision in Perth.
In total, the team found eight Eumillipes persephone millipedes in three drill holes at depths between 15 and 60 metres.
Rodriguez said it was surprising to discover the new species so far underground. While some millipedes live in caves, many are surface dwellers and break down organic matter such as leaf litter, she said.
Little is known about the new species. “It’s a good bet that they eat fungi,” Buzatto said.
Genetic analysis found that while Eumillipes persephone has physical similarities to the previous leg record holder in California, the two millipede species are only distantly related.
There are more than 2,000 known species of millipede in Australia, Rodriguez said, adding that the true number of species may be as high as 4,000.
“Few people realise … the large proportion of Australian biodiversity that is still undescribed, and therefore also the importance of taxonomists,” Buzatto said. “We essentially are driving species extinct probably quicker than we describe them.”Advertisementhttps://a3e62df2a1877b987314d659aea5656b.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
Rodriguez and her colleagues at CSIRO are also studying chemicals produced by Australian millipedes. “We’re testing them to see if they have potential for being antimicrobials against the pathogens that have a lot of antimicrobial resistance.”
Millipedes differ from centipedes in that they have two pairs of legs on most body segments, whereas centipedes only have one.
Research into the new millipede was published in the peer-reviewed journal Scientific Reports.
This article was amended on 17 December 2021 to include the fact that the discovery of the Eumillipes persephone was initially made by a team of researchers while conducting a subterranean environmental impact assessment.
Posted in Biological control, Biopesticide, Botanical pesticides, Crop protection, Cultural control, Herbicides, Host plant resistance, Mechanical control, Meetings, News, Pests, Plant Pathogens, Webinars, Weeds on November 28, 2021| Leave a Comment »
IAPPS Region X Northeast Asia Regional Center (NEARC)
Present committee members
Dr. Izuru Yamamoto, Senior Advisor
Dr. Noriharu Umetsu, Senior Advisor
Dr. Tsutomu Arie, a representative of the Phytopathological Society of Japan, the chair of Region X
Dr. Tarô Adati, a representative of Japanese Society of Applied Entomology and Zoology
Dr. Hiromitsu Moriyama, a representative of Pesticide Science Society of Japan, the secretary general of Region X
Dr. Rie Miyaura, a representative of The Weed Science Society of Japan
The Phytopathological Society of Japan and Pesticide Science Society of Japan became official partners of IYPH2020 by FAO of UN and Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) of Japan and endeavored to educate the society on plant protection. https://www.maff.go.jp/j/syouan/syokubo/keneki/iyph/iyph_os.html
Annual activities related to IAPPS especially to IPM of plant diseases, insects and weeds, and plant regulation (from April 2020 to March 2021)
The Phytopathological Society of Japan (PSJ)
2020 Kanto District Meeting, Online; Sep 21–22, 2020
2020 Kansai District Meeting, Online; Sep 21–22, 2020
2020 Tohoku District Meeting, Online; Oct 12–14, 2020
2020 Hokkaido District Meeting, Online; Oct 15, 2020
2020 Kyushu District Meeting, Online; Nov 24–26, 2020
2021 Annual Meeting, Online; Mar 17–19, 2021
Japanese Society of Applied Entomology and Zoology (JSAEZ)
65th Annual Meeting, online, March 23-26, 2021
28th Annual Research Meeting of the Japan-ICIPE Association, online, March 25, 2021
Pesticide Science Society of Japan
37rd Study Group Meeting of Special Committee on Bioactivity of Pesticides, online, Sep 18, 2020
40th Symposium of Special Committee on Agricultural Formulation and Application, Yokohama, Kanagawa; Oct 15–16, 2020 (Cancelled due to the spread of COVID-19)
43th Annual Meeting of Special Committee on Pesticide Residue Analysis, online, Nov. 5–6, 2020
46th Annual meeting, Fuchu, Tokyo and Online, March 8–10, 2021
The Weed Science Society of Japan (WSSJ)
2020 Annual Meeting, The Weed Science Society of Kinki, Online; Dec 5, 2020
35th Symposium of Weed Science Society of Japan, Online; Dec 12, 2020
2020 Annual Meeting, Kanto Weed Science Society, Online; Dec 22, 2020
22th Annual Meeting, The Weed Science Society of Tohoku, Japan, Online; Feb 25, 2021
2020 Study Group Meeting of Weed Utilization and Management in Small Scale Farming, Online; Feb 26, 2021
Hono-Kai (means, Meeting who are appreciating agriculture)
35th Hono-Kai Symposium was cancelled due to the epidemic of COVID-19
Japan Biostimulants Association
3rd Symposium, Online; Nov 2–30, 2020
Nodai Research Institute
2020-1 Biological Control Group Seminar, Setagaya; Tokyo; Jun 16, 2020 (Cancelled due to the epidemic of COVID-19)
2020-2 Biological Control Group Seminar, online, Nov 13, 2020
2021-1 Biological Control Group Seminar, online, Jun 15, 2021
2021-2 Biological Control Group Seminar, online, Nov 9, 2021
Posted in Crop protection, Emerging/invasive pests, News, Pest diagnostics, Technology transfer on November 27, 2021| Leave a Comment »
Saturday, 27 November 2021 17:37:00
Submission
News from PestNet
Hi Everyone
We are excited to tell you that PestNet has joined forces with the Pacific Pests, Pathogens & Weeds app (compiled by PestNet). It seemed sensible to put these two Pestnet endeavours together. Some time ago, we mentioned that the website had been redesigned to reflect the changes; now we have completed the amalgamation with new mobile apps.
You can see the changes if you visit the website here. And you can download the new mobile apps by searching for “PestNet” or “Pacific Pests, Pathogens & Weeds” from the Google and Apple stores.
Hope you like the changes!
All the best
PestNet Moderators
Posted in Crop protection, News on March 18, 2021| Leave a Comment »
Syngenta announced today it has selected its current campus location on Swing Road in Greensboro, North Carolina, to redevelop its North American Crop Protection headquarters. The announcement follows a comprehensive assessment of the company’s future needs and multiple site options in North Carolina and other states.
The company intends to construct a more than 100,000 square-foot office building to connect with its existing laboratory facility on the north side of the 70-acre campus. Plans also include a complete renovation of the lab facilities. The new workspaces will support about 650 employees and 100 contract workers.
“The Syngenta family in Greensboro has been part of the fabric of this community for many decades, and it’s our goal to remain so for many years to come,” said Vern Hawkins, president of Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC. “Our new facilities will enable us to have our Greensboro colleagues on this campus working together in modern, efficient facilities, enabling better collaboration and focus to meet our customers’ needs.”
Elaborate function
The redeveloped headquarters will include contemporary work and conference spaces, health, wellness and fitness centers, a cafeteria, auditorium, coffee areas, and other amenities. In addition, a Customer Experience Center is planned for the company to showcase the innovative products and services it continually provides customers. Employee health, safety and work effectiveness will be key factors in the design and construction.
Construction is expected to begin on the new building later in 2021; the entire project will take about three years to complete. Syngenta is assessing options for the south side of its campus.
The North Carolina Department of Commerce, Guilford County and City of Greensboro have offered Syngenta incentives that can reduce future tax liability and offset costs if commitments, including investment and employment, are met. This will help retain 750 employees and contractors and maintain the significant economic impact Syngenta contributes to the area, along with future capital and other investments. Syngenta’s investment will be more than $68 million in real property improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment.
In early January 2020, Syngenta announced it had engaged in a comprehensive assessment of is current facilities on Swing Road. The large campus, with 17 structures, was established in the mid-1960’s and was later acquired by a Syngenta legacy company, Ciba-Geigy. Syngenta was formed in 2000 and this site has remained one of the company’s major workplaces in the U.S. Due to the age of the buildings and ongoing repairs and renovations required to maintain an optimal and safe work environment, the company explored options for the future which led to today’s announcement.
For more information:
Syngenta
www.syngenta.com
Publication date: Wed 17 Mar 2021
Posted in IPM, News on December 24, 2020| Leave a Comment »
Welcome to the 32nd edition of ENDURE News, the electronic newsletter from ENDURE. Please feel free to share this newsletter with colleagues.
Posted in IPM, News on June 29, 2018| Leave a Comment »
Welcome to the 27th edition of ENDURE News, the electronic newsletter from ENDURE. Please feel free to share this newsletter with colleagues.
Posted in News on March 30, 2018| Leave a Comment »
Grain legumes are characterised by their nutritional value, an ability to grow rapidly and improve soil health by fixing nitrogen. This makes them a key rotation crop in promoting food security amongst smallholders in particular. However, yields are constrained by factors such as pests and diseases as well as vulnerability to poor soils, drought and other effects of climate change.
This collection reviews the wealth of research addressing these challenges. Volume 1 focusses on breeding and cultivation. Part 1 summarises advances in understanding crop physiology and genetic diversity, and how this understanding has informed the development of new varieties. Part 2 reviews improvements in cultivation techniques to make the most of these new varieties, from variety selection and seed quality management, through pest and disease management to storage and quality assessment.
With its distinguished editorial team and international range of expert authors, this will be a standard reference for the grain legume research community and farmers of these important crops as well as government and other agencies responsible for agricultural development. It is accompanied by a companion volume which reviews particular grain legumes.
Not sure what you’re getting if you buy this book? Click on the cover image below to open a PDF and preview pages from the book. .
‘This reference will greatly improve the visibility of, and access to knowledge about crops that play such a critical role in sustainable cropping systems, nutrition and income, yet which often remain under the radar of governments and policy makers and which do not always receive the investment they deserve.”
Jeff Ehlers, Program Officer in Agricultural Development, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Part 1 Plant physiology and breeding
1.Advances in understanding grain legume physiology: stomatal behavior and response to abiotic stress: E. Troyo Diéguez and A. Nieto-Garibay, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, México; J.L. García-Hernández, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, México; P. Preciado-Rangel, Instituto Tecnológico de Torreón, México; F. A. Beltrán-Morales and F. H. Ruiz-Espinoza, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, México; and B. Murillo-Amador, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, México;
2.Advances in understanding grain legume physiology: understanding root architecture, nutrient uptake and response to abiotic stress: Yinglong Chen, The University of Western Australia, Australia and Northwest A&F University, China; Ivica Djalovic, Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Serbia; and Kadambot Siddique, The University of Western Australia, Australia;
3.Conserving and characterizing the genetic diversity of grain legumes: P. J. Bramel and H. D. Upadhyaya, Global Crop Diversity, Germany and International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), India;
4.Advanced breeding techniques for grain legumes in the genomics era: Juan M. Osorno and Phillip E. McClean, North Dakota State University, USA; and Timothy Close, University of California (Riverside), USA;
5.Genetic modification of grain legumes: Pooja Bhatnagar-Mathur and Kiran Kumar Sharma, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), India;
6.Developing drought- and heat-tolerant varieties of grain legumes: Shoba Sivasankar, Former Director, CGIAR Research Program on Grain Legumes, India;
7.Developing pest- and disease-resistant cultivars of grain legumes: Diego Rubiales, Institute for Sustainable Agriculture, Spain;
8.Biofortification of grain legumes: Bodo Raatz, International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Colombia;
Part 2 Cultivation
9.Variety selection and seed quality management in grain legume cultivation: Jean Claude Rubyogo, Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA), International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Tanzania; and Wilfred Odhiambo, Seed Systems Consultant, Kenya;
10.Grain legumes in integrated crop management systems: Chris Johansen and Kadambot H.M. Siddique, The University of Western Australia, Australia;
11.Grain legume–cereal intercropping systems: L. Bedoussac, ENSFEA, INRA AGIR, France; E-P. Journet, CNRS LIPM, INRA AGIR, France; H. Hauggaard-Nielsen, Roskilde University, Denmark; C. Naudin and G. Corre Hellou, Ecole Supérieure d’Agricultures, France; E. S. Jensen, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden; and E. Justes, INRA AGIR, France;
12.Soil and nutrient management in grain legume cultivation: S. Adjei-Nsiah , International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Ghana ; and B.D.K. Ahiabor, CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute, Ghana;
13.Diseases affecting grain legumes and their management: Keith Thomas, University of Sunderland, UK;
14.Insect pests and integrated pest management techniques in grain legume cultivation: Tolulope A. Agunbiade, Yale University, USA; Weilin Sun, Michigan State University, USA; Brad S. Coates, USDA-ARS, USA; Fouss é ni Traore, Institut de l’Environnement et de Recherches Agricoles, Burkina Faso; James A. Ojo, Kwara State University, Nigeria; Anne N. Lutomia, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA; Julia Bello-Bravo, Michigan State University, USA; Saber Miresmailli, Ecoation Innovative Solutions Inc., Canada; Joseph E. Huesing, USAID, USA; Michael Agyekum, Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics, Michigan State University, USA; Manuele Tamò, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Benin; and Barry R. Pittendrigh, Michigan State University, USA;
15.Weed management in grain legume cultivation: Don W. Morishita, University of Idaho, USA;
16.Grain legume storage in developing nations: L. L. Murdock and D. Baributsa, Purdue University, USA;
17.Drying, handling, storing and quality monitoring of pulses: C.B. Singh, University of South Australia, Australia; and D.S. Jayas, University of Manitoba, Canada;
18.Dietary health benefits, phytochemicals and anti-nutritional factors in grain legumes: Elizabeth Ryan, Colorado State University, USA; Indi Trehan, Kristie Smith and Mark Manary, Washington University, USA;
19.The nutritional potential of grain legumes: an economic perspective: Alan de Brauw, International Food Policy Research Institute, USA;
Posted in News on March 10, 2018| Leave a Comment »
From PestNet
———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Science Env Policy <sfep@uwe.ac.uk>
Date: 10 March 2018 at 03:44
Subject: Science for Environment Policy, Issue 504: A service from the European Commission
To: gjackson@zip.com.au
|
Posted in Crop protection, News, Research on November 22, 2017| Leave a Comment »
UNITED KINGDOM – Could miniature robots be joining the ranks of farmhands around the globe? According to The Guardian, yes, but optimistically, not for another couple of years. Developing in laboratories now, academic farming experts are researching whether miniature robots are a solution to chemical use, food waste, and labor shortages on farms, and posit that while a possible solution, mini robots might not be the answer farmers are seeking yet.
As reported by the source, current blanket practices waste 95% to 99% of pesticides and herbicides as the method “blankets” chemicals across entire fields, allowing pests and weeds to grow resistant, harming helpful pollinators like bees, and essentially rendering the chemicals ineffective over time.
Toby Bruce, Professor of Insect Chemical Ecology, Keele University“Farmers have been heavily reliant for decades on the heavy use of pesticides. Some spraying is very desperate,” said Toby Bruce, Professor of Insect Chemical Ecology at Keele University, according to The Guardian. “Farmers are spraying [chemicals] to which there is resistance. They will not be killing pests as the pests have evolved resistance. They will be killing other insects [such as pollinators].”
In order to reduce pesticide waste and its harmful side effects, researchers are programming the robots to be able to apply tiny quantities of pesticides directly to the plants that need them.
Robots aiding in farming a cabbage field
The robots are also able to detect when fruit and vegetables are too small or malformed to be harvested. Because malformed produce typically has a lower market value, this would help reduce food waste and allow produce enough time to be harvested when it is ready.
With labor shortages worrying farmers worldwide, the mini robots could also provide the extra hands needed to harvest crops in the field. And this isn’t the only place in our industry seeking extra help from artificial intelligence. Last month, Giant Foods stores piloted Marty, and Walmart began testing shelf-scanning robots in over fifty stores.
While robots seem to be an easy solution, The Guardian reported that the technology is not at an advanced enough stage to implement in the field just yet, and noted that start-ups are needed to spearhead this innovation as many farm technology companies are unwilling to give up their current business models.
With technology advancing every day and offering different ways to rid pests and minimize waste, are mini robots the future of sustainable farming? AndNowUKnow will continue to report on the robot takeover.