Biorationals: a solution to crop protection problems?

The background

There is ongoing debate on the challenges of the increasing levels of resistance to existing crop protection agents, affecting not only food production, but potentially global health and sustainability too. Add to that the concern that some of the agents currently used are coming under regulatory scrutiny because of possible detrimental effects on the environment.

New approaches and a new hope for crop protection

SCI’s BioResources Group suggests that Biorationals offer a cost effective solution to current and future crop protection concerns.

Biorationals or (biological pesticides) are derived from a variety of natural sources, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa, as well as chemical analogues of naturally occurring biochemicals such as pheromones, insecticides and insect growth regulators (IGRs). They are considered third-generation pesticides that closely resemble or are identical to chemicals produced by insects and plants.

Integrating the use of biorationals into crop protection programmes offers the opportunity to:

increase the spectrum of pests and diseases controlled including hard-to-kill species
make better use of established chemical crop protection agents in the absence of new replacement products coming forward
lower chemical residues in treated crops
reduce withholding periods
delay the onset of pesticide resistance

Join the discussion

SCI’s BioResources Group presents: ‘Biorationals - an effective solution to current and future crop protection problems?’. The SCI conference on 1 October 2014 brings together contributions from a number of international experts. The notable speakers, from North America and Europe, will introduce new approaches to the commercially viable and environmentally friendly use of biorationals in crop production; delivering much more than a list of new products.

If you would like to attend this topical event, please contact us at conferences@soci.org or book directly at www.soci.org/events. However, if you are unable to attend please publicise this event to those who may be interested. This event is organised by SCI's BioResources and Horticulture groups and supported by Enterprise Europe Network and AGRI-food Net.

Date for your diary: Wednesday 1 October 2014
Venue: SCI, 14/15 Belgrave Square, London SWIX 8PS

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Media Information
The SCI BioResources Group has established an unsurpassed reputation in bringing forward the benefits of science to industry and providing communication platforms for important changes in policies and practical applications. This conference expects to set a benchmark for the future of crop protection.

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