Myerscough lecturer presents latest agricultural research at international event

Experts from across the World were invited to the New IPM: Emerging Opportunities International Symposium, held earlier this month at Swansea University.

The aim of the symposium was to bring together world-renowned researchers, industry representatives, regulatory bodies, growers, supply chain professionals, and end-users to share the latest in research and development, policy, and market trends.

The symposium brought together leading scientists, academics, and industry professionals from around the world to explore the latest innovations in Integrated Pest Management (IPM), including Myerscough’s Dr. Hamad Saeed.

Hamad attended and presented his research entitled ‘The Potential of Microbial Biostimulants in Enhancing Arable Farming’, which showcased strategies for reducing fertiliser use in cereal crops and managing cabbage stem flea beetles in rapeseed.

His work promotes sustainable agricultural practices by enhancing crop resilience and productivity while reducing reliance on fertilisers and pesticides, sparking interest from the symposium’s attendees.

Hamad said: ‘’I’m currently working on an ongoing research project investigating the potential and prospects of biostimulants in agriculture.

‘’Started last year, this long-term project seeks to pinpoint a niche within the biostimulants sector and uncover collaboration opportunities or secure commercial trial.

 ‘’Last year a Myerscough undergraduate student tested various biostimulants for managing Rhynchosporium in barley under controlled glasshouse conditions.  This year another undergraduate student will undertake a dissertation exploring the potential of biostimulants in agriculture.

‘’Looking ahead, we plan to conduct further screening trials to refine our focus and develop specific biostimulant types and a research group here at Myerscough, and preliminary findings will be shared as opportunities arise.”

There are excellent laboratory, glasshouse and farm facilities, based at Myerscough’s main centre at Bilsborrow, near Preston.

Myerscough offers a commercial trials service for insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, biopesticides, growth regulators, shelf life, crop safety, and fertilisers under field, semi-field, glasshouse, and laboratory conditions on a range of agricultural and horticultural crops with a report upon completion. Myerscough is always open to discuss any research requirements for any of the above studies and or for any collaborative research opportunities.