Growers are being encouraged to attend a free workshop in Stirling on 13 February where results of recent AHDB-funded research projects will be shared.
The event is aimed at growers of hardy nursery stock, which includes shrubs, trees, roses and heathers, who will hear updates on projects including potential weed control options, new vine weevil control methods and the SCEPTREplus programme which focuses on identifying new plant protection products for use on horticultural crops.
AHDB Research and Knowledge Transfer Manager Wayne Brough, who organised the event, says: “This is a great opportunity for Scottish growers to find out more about AHDB’s current research programme and meet and question researchers directly.
“We discuss AHDB’s SCEPTREplus programme which aims to test new active ingredients and plant protection products (herbicides, fungicides and insecticides) and facilitate their placement into the horticultural market.
“Other work being featured includes the FERTINNOWA project. This EU-funded project involved nine European countries with the aim of transferring innovative techniques for sustainable water use to the horticultural industry”.
As the main pest of perennials, shrubs and trees grown in containers, vine weevil is a key concern for many growers, especially as the range of available insecticides is now limited. At the event growers will find out more about AHDB-funded work on insect pathogenic nematode application, lures and traps and treatments against adult weevils.
Growers will also hear about a Defra/AHDB/industry funded project which has been studying alternatives to peat for use in growing media and there will be a further session on potential new herbicides for use in both field-grown and container-grown ornamental crops..
The event will be held at Hotel Colessio, 33 Spittal Street, Stirling, FK8 1DU on Wednesday 13 February. The workshop, which runs from 9.30am – 3.15pm, is free to attend and lunch will be provided. Growers wishing to attend should register by through the AHDB website.
