Niab Soft Fruit Webinar - 9 Dec 26

The event, hosted by Niab's Horticulture KE Manager Scott Raffle, will include information on the latest research developments in novel approaches to pest management including spotted wing drosophila, aphids and thrips. There will be a session focused on sustainability including maximising yield potential in strawberry, managing pollinators in protected crops and a new polymer that can reduce water and fertiliser use in soft fruit crops.And finally, an update on the Soft Fruit Genetic Improvement Network and variety development.

Programme

09:10     Introduction and welcome

Session 1: The latest developments in insect pest control (1hr 35)

09:20     Efficiency and management of parasitoids for SWD (Michelle Fountain, Niab)

09:40     Optimising low-volume bait sprays for SWD control (Ralph Noble, Microbiotech) 

09:55     New genetic testing of thrips in strawberry (Francis Wamonje, Niab)

10:10     Hoverflies for aphid control in soft fruit (Sarah Arnold, Niab)

10:25     Surveillance and biocontrol of brown marmorated stink bug (Francis Wamonje, Niab)

10:40     Wildflower highways in tunnels to enhance pest control in soft fruit (Celine Silva, Niab)

10:55     Break

Session 2: Novel approaches to sustainable soft fruit production (1hr 30)

11:10     Managing pollination problems in protected crops (Sarah Arnold, Niab)

11:25     Improving strawberry productivity with biodegradable super absorbent polymers (Mat Papp-Rupar, Niab)

11:40     Improving strawberry production efficiency in TCEA conditions (Mark Else, Niab)

12:00     Optimising strawberry propagation in TCEA conditions (Katia Zacharaki, Niab)

12:15     Assessing the use of recycled coir for strawberry and vegetable production (Xiangming Xu, Niab)                                                                                                    

12:30     Lunch break

Session 3: Genetics and variety development (1hr)

13:15     Gene editing to support the Soft Fruit Genetic Improvement Network (Julia Lambret, Niab)

13:30     Controlling stomatal density for water use efficiency in strawberry (Graham Dow, Niab)

13:45     Resistance to large raspberry aphid (Andrew Gladman, ADAS) 

14:00     Maximising the potential of Malling Bella and Malling Charm (Erica Losada, Niab) 

14:15     Close

Scott Raffle

Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager - East Malling