We have a long-term aim to improve plant growth by applying biological substances to growing plants to relieve stress, stimulate growth and control pests. We have tested a range of plant, animal and microbe-derived extracts to replace chemical inputs that are toxic to many species in the environment or that produce greenhouse gases. At Henfaes Research Centre we screen extracts in the lab and greenhouse on growing plants and in replicated field trials to find out if substances showing promise as biofungicides (against late blight) or biostimulants can improve healthy plant growth and yield. There is an ugent need for biofungicides that can replace substances that are being withdrawn from the farmers’ tool kit like copper and Mancozeb, both used extensively for the control of late blight and many other plant diseases.
The 4th meeting of the NASPA consortium was hosted by Vegenov in St Pol de Leon, Brittany, France in July, 2019. Vegenov and its sister experimental horticultural research and development station, CATE, work on a range of vegetable, fruit and ornamentals including artichokes, brassicas and alliums.