R&D Strategy

The following abbreviated topics are key targets of our R&D strategy. PGRO takes a collaborative approach engaging with applied research and academic research organisations, supply chain providers, growers, grower groups and funding bodies both within and outside the UK.

We welcome suggestions and opportunities to participate with others in joint research in pursuit of solutions for the benefit of UK farmers.

Agronomic targets:

• Varietal evaluation
• Nutrition and nutrient use efficiency – major, minor and trace elements
• Soil health – structure, SOM, microbes, pathogens, regenerative approaches
• Understanding crop biology – production continuity, yield stability, productivity
• Understanding pest, weed and disease biology and risk
• Seed quality and pest and disease tolerance
• Intercropping for increased productivity
• Benefits of pulses in the rotation
• Understanding environmental impact and resource management

Decision Support targets:

• Pest, weed and disease monitoring and forecasting – PGRO and external IPM platforms and prediction services
• Crop yield, maturity and quality forecasting
• Modelling pest, disease and weed impact and management, and predicting the impact of climate change
• Diagnostics – field and laboratory, seed and soil testing and analysis.

Mechanical/ physical/ natural control targets:

• Use of technology for crop management, including cultural techniques such as reduced cultivations, drilling depth and planting density for pest, disease and weed management
• Intercropping for pest, disease and weed management, as well as increased productivity
• Protective barriers to prevent pest damage, including birds and mammals
• Trap cropping/ flowering field margins for pest and disease management
• Soil management for improved root development and BNF (Biological Nitrogen Fixation)

Biocontrol/ biostimulant targets:

• Work with manufacturers to evaluate new products
• Development of techniques to encourage natural predators and entomopathogens
• Development of new techniques for release of biocontrol products
• Reduction of environmental impact
• Biological treatments to improve BNF
• Reduction of environmental impact

Crop protection targets:

• Work with manufacturers to evaluate new products
• Design and incorporation of IPM plans
• Reduction of environmental impact

Climate change:

• Recognising across all aspects of the R&D strategy how the impact of climate change might present new opportunities to overcome difficulties presented to producers and the supply chain.

Market and economics:

• Work with industry to develop clear understanding of the economic drivers of the pulse and vegetable legume markets