Controlling weeds in crops is one of the greatest challenges to global agriculture, responsible for higher yield losses and greater input costs than all other biological constraints such as pests and diseases. Achieving this critical aim has become particularly problematic in UK arable agriculture, due largely to the evolution of herbicide resistance which is now reaching epidemic proportions in grass weeds, in particular black grass. Improved management of resistance in weeds relies on timely and targeted interventions. This project brings together diagnostic providers (Genesys ltd), underpinning science (University of Newcastle) and agronomists (Velcourt) to provide for the first time an inexpensive in-field test for real-time detection of target site resistance (TSR) in black grass. The results from the tests will directly inform the user on appropriate weed control intervention strategies, enabling selection of the most appropriate class of herbicide at each site. This will reduce expenditure on ineffective spraying, decrease losses maximising yield and crop productivity whilst enabling responsible use of herbicides

Controlling disease relies on early and accurate diagnosis informing timely and targeted intervention strategies. Good resistance management is based on minimising the levels of exposure of the target pathogen to the fungicide, only spraying where the risk warrants treatment. Knowledge of the resistance status of a field population will allow specific targeting of products avoiding use of ineffective treatments, maximising efficacy and longevity of active compounds. This multi-disciplinary project brings together agronomy services providers (Agrii) diagnostic providers (Optisense/GeneSys) and underpinning science (Fera) stakeholders to deliver a rapid, hand-held, in-field test for real-time monitoring of fungicide resistance strains of Mycosphaerella graminicola (Septoria tritici) within crops. The results of testing will directly inform the user on interventions using the correct fungicide to control the specific genotype of the pathogen present in the crop. This method will save money on ineffective spraying, improve yield, decrease losses, prevent build up of resistance and prolong the life of active chemicals and promote their responsible use improving environmental stewardship.