The 2015 BCPC Weeds Review took place on: 12 November 2015 atRothamsted Research, Harpenden, Herts.

The theme of this year’s event was: “The true costs of weed control”

A summary report of the 2015 event can be accessed here

Outlooks on Pest Management Report 

BCPC offers a range of useful online resources – for details of each click on the product name below:
The Pesticide Manual

The Manual of Biocontrol Agents

Biotech Crops Info

UK Pesticide Guide

Speakers presentations – click on the presentation title to access the power point presentation given by the speaker

Introduction – Jason Tatnell (Syngenta, Review Chairman)

Weather for 2015 – Peter Lutman, Rothamsted Research

Glyphosate risks in the UK – James Clarke, ADAS / WRAG

Abstract: The Weed Resistance Action Group (WRAG) published guidelines for minimising the risk of glyphosate resistance in the UK (available from http://tinyurl.com/weedrag) in June 2015. James will outline the background risks specific to the UK, drawing on lessons from elsewhere, and explain why there was a need for better guidance even though no confirmed cases have been found in UK.  He will outline current knowledge and risk factors and will expand on the core elements of the strategy to minimise risk which are to: prevent survivors, maximise efficacy, use alternatives and monitor success.  Several knowledge gaps and label improvements have been identified and the presentation will highlight these and progress to filling them.

10.50 Optimising weed control in rotations/farm economics – Jock Willmott, Strutt and Parker

Abstract: For many the cost of managing grass weed resistance is having very real implications on the farming business. For those most affected, losing meaningful post emergence control of blackgrass is forcing change. While herbicide costs can be quickly benchmarked the financial impact of the wider changes business are having to adopt are less obvious. Data from Strutt and Parker managed farms will be presented and will explore the true costs to businesses of managing resistant blackgrass.

Pesticides and the Water Framework Directive – Jon Gulson,Environment Agency

Abstract: The latest River Basin Management Plans will soon be published as we move in to the second cycle of plans under the Water Framework Directive. Jon will provide an update on pesticides under the Directive.

QUIZ – Jonathan Storkey, Rothamsted Research

LUNCH AND POSTER SESSION

Part 1 Broad-leaved weed resistance – issues and risks – Lynn Tatnell, ADAS
Part 2 Broad-leaved weed resistance – issues and risks  – Mark Ballingall, SRUC 

Abstract: The issue of broad-leaved weed resistance in the UK is one of much speculation but often a lack of quantitative evidence exists. Results from a current research project led by ADAS will be presented to highlight how confirmed resistant poppies can be controlled with alternative herbicide programmes, but how cultural control options are more limited for the broad-leaved weeds. An overview of the extent of known resistant broad-leaved weeds across the UK, along with the impact of potential loss of actives on control levels and the economics and agronomy of this will be discussed.

New Technology for Weed Control – Derek Cornes, Syngenta, Jealotts Hill

Abstract: As weeds become increasing difficult to control due to resistance or due to the loss of herbicides as regulatory restrictions become tighter, alternative methods of weed control become an increasingly attractive proposition.

A wide range of new technologies are being investigated for weed control, spanning the entire range from mechanical weed control, through precision delivery of chemical, to the use of lasers. The maturity of the technologies is equally diverse, ranging from early research to early commercialisation.

The presentation reviewd a range of new technologies and will examine their potential for use in UK agriculture.

Facing the future – Jim Orson, NIAB TAG

Abstract: A reduction in chemical weed control options, due to herbicide resistance and legislation, is causing the industry to reflect on the technical and economic sustainability of cropping systems.   Cultural measures, rarely adopted in the 1990s, are now widely discussed for the control of annual grass weeds in particular.  New technologies may also have a role in helping to minimise the impact of the reductions in chemical options.  Jim Orson presents a personal view of the way ahead.

Poster session. A poster session was included in the review.

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