New projects support CHAP net zero industry campaign

Following the launch of its net zero-orientated campaign, Making Connections, CHAP is continuing to highlight the importance of sustainable farming through the launch of two new projects.

This includes a recently announced collaboration with London-based biotechnology company, Bactobio Ltd, to screen bacteria for use as bio-fungicides.

Bio-fungicide to control septoria

Aimed specifically at controlling Zymoseptoria tritici, commonly known as wheat disease septoria, the project will use CHAP’s National Reference Collection of live fungi and bacteria isolates, providing field samples of Z. tritici for use in Bactobio’s compound screening.

Following this, glasshouse trials will then test the efficacy of the potential bio-fungicides, with a view to creating a new suite of products for arable farmers.

Dr Mark Wilkinson, Head of Compound Discovery at Bactobio, formerly Baccuico, said: “Bacteria have huge potential to solve global issues; previously, we’ve used our Bacterial Community Cultivation platform (BACCU), to discover novel antibiotic solutions.

“We’re now employing this technology within crop protection, as we believe it has a role to play in addressing key issues such as fungicide resistance and the growing need for new, non-synthetic control options.

“By working together on this project, we hope to identify up to 10 active natural compounds with control activity for Z. tritici. As the bacteria from which we derive those compounds will be of diverse genetic backgrounds, such research reduces the likelihood of future resistance, whilst of course offering lower environmental impact.”

© CHAP

Low-carbon production system for CEA

Another project recently launched by CHAP is working alongside the fresh produce industry to develop a novel low-carbon production system for controlled environment agriculture.

This multi-faceted project will harness the benefits of ‘natural light growing’ alongside bespoke biostimulant formulations, to help optimise the nutrition, flavour and sustainability credentials of fresh produce.

The work is being conducted by a consortium consisting of CHAP, RIPE Building Services, the University of Warwick, Evoponic Ltd, Mudwalls Farm Ltd and Valefresco Ltd.

Innovation Network Lead for CHAP, Dr Harry Langford, said: “Unlike glass, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) film transmits full spectrum sunlight into the growing area. The benefits of this are starting to be explored at CHAP’s Natural Light Growing Centre, a structure clad in ETFE.

“The RIPEHouse project plans to take this one step further, by combining natural light growing with the use of bespoke biostimulant products. This will enable UK growers to deliver high quality, lower carbon produce compared to that of traditional glasshouse systems.

“Once completed, this could mean a real step-change for the way in which we grow fresh produce in the UK.”

It’s thanks to the UKRI and Defra’s Farming Innovation Pathways (FIP) industrial research competition that both of these projects can take place.

Regenerative agriculture webinar

Outside of project work, CHAP remains committed to helping farmers to accelerate the industry’s journey to net zero and more sustainable practice. The agri-tech centre recently hosted a free webinar, looking at how to overcome the challenges of regenerative agriculture through the use of new innovations.

Presentations included a review of System Cameleon, as well as looking at the activity currently taking place at Newcastle University, as the farm makes the transition to regenerative agriculture.

Speakers were Cranfield’s Professor Jane Rickson, Dr David George and James Standen of Newcastle University, and Leigh Nobes from the MacGregor Farming Partnership.

View a recording of the webinar below, or for more information about CHAP visit www.chap-solutions.co.uk.