Testing the performance of biofungicides (winter wheat pilot trials)

This project will deliver robust, reliable and independent data on the efficacy of biofungicides used to control septoria tritici in UK field crops of wheat, as part of an integrated pest management (IPM) programme.

Biofungicides are a type of biopesticide and are regulated as plant protection products. Biopesticides are based on microbes, pheromones, semiochemicals, plant extracts and other novel sources.

To date, they have been used most frequently in high-value horticultural markets. Although they have good potential for cereal crops, clear guidance is needed to maximise their performance in crop protection programmes.

Due to their biological nature, biopesticide performance is influenced by many factors, including humidity, temperature and pest-population specifics. As product activity is often established in a laboratory/controlled environment, this work will specifically examine evidence of field efficacy.

The pilot trials will focus on septoria tritici management in winter wheat, due to the economic importance of this disease, the availability of biological products with disease-management potential and a relatively high number of preliminary research findings.

Over two cropping years (2025/26 and 2026/27), several products will be tested in replicated field trials at multiple sites, including as part of a conventional winter wheat fungicide programme. The trials, which will include untreated controls, will be in regions associated with relatively high septoria tritici pressures. The trials will include two septoria-susceptible varieties, a moderately resistant and a moderately sensitive variety, as varietal resistance may affect the role of biofungicides in disease control programmes.

As the biofungicides will be applied in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations, the research will not produce dose-response curves (as produced in the fungicide performance project). However, they will be tested in programmes with varying intensities of conventional fungicides at specific spray timings (e.g. 100%, 75% and 50% of full label rate) to help reveal the point at which biofungicides start to contribute to disease control and yield gains.

The SRUC-led consortium has a strong track record of delivering trusted, independent research to support effective crop disease management. The consortium, which also includes ADAS and Niab, already manages an extensive network of efficacy trials, as part of AHDB’s long-term fungicide performance programme.

By working closely with the agrochemical industry, the most promising pre-commercial products will be identified and tested. This will prime the release of product information soon after the appropriate authorisations for use have been secured (in a similar manner to the fungicide performance project).

The project trial approach is flexible to allow it to adapt to opportunities (e.g. product availability) during the project.

Project results will be communicated in numerous ways and build upon well-proven approaches from the fungicide performance project, including updates at the annual AHDB Agronomy Conference in December.

Core objectives

1. Generate efficacy and yield data on biofungicides from replicated wheat trials across the UK.
2. Determine the practicalities of using biofungicides in arable crops in-situ (rather than controlled environments).
3. Provide practical information on the integration of biofungicides into crop protection programmes.

Providing answers to your questions

This research project was funded via a levy-payer-led commissioning process.