A new Innovate UK project has been announced, spearheaded by Lincolnshire agtech firm B-hive Innovations.
The FUSED – Integrated fusarium early diagnostic and management project is a 24-month, £1 million research programme that aims to define better ways of detecting and managing Fusarium Basal Rot (FBR).
FBR can be the cause of up to 40% of losses for growers and is said to cost the industry upwards of £10 million each year.
Dr Andy Gill, general manager of B-hive Innovations and FUSED project lead, said: “B-hive is delighted to be coordinating efforts to combat FBR infection in onions. The project will bring together many members of the British onion sector who share a common desire to prevent FBR, each bringing their expertise that can help to drive innovation.
“By engaging with the grower base at the beginning of the research process, it will enable us to develop solutions that are fit for purpose, a key mission that drives B-hive’s research projects.”
B-hive will work alongside agronomists from VCS Agronomy and The Allium and Brassica Centre, academic researchers from the University of Warwick, agri-tech innovation centre CHAP (Crop Health and Protection), and members of the research team at RSK-ADS.
Moulton Bulb, G’s Growers and Stourgarden and Bedfordshire Growers will provide additional support from their presence in the onion growing sector.