Improving disease management practice in barley leads to increased yields and safeguards against pathogen resistance

Impact: Environmental

Description of impact

Underpinning Research: Our research has defined the optimal timing and chemical composition of fungicides to maximise yield from barley crops and has quantified changes over time in fungicide efficacy and pathogen resistance to fungicide. Significance and Reach of Impact: Our research has, since 2006, formed the basis of the definitive national farming advice in the UK through two Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) Guides (Barley Growth and Barley Disease Management), latest editions of which were published in 2018 and 2016, respectively. Our research also shaped the advice offered to Irish farmers through the Teagasc Spring Barley Guide, published in 2015. Adherence to this guidance leads to the use of optimal fungicide programmes, through use of the most efficacious fungicides and optimal timing of fungicide application. This helpsto minimise barley yield loss and benefits the UK and Irish barley industries by up to GBP113,609,000 and EUR18,300,000 (GBP16,220,235; 08-20) per year, respectively.Our research on the development of pathogen resistance to fungicide allows the AHDB to advise farmers on the best practices for preventing resistance development. Uptake of this advice has extended the effective lifespan of key fungicides by 2 years, which according to aleading agrochemical company has a value of EUR3,700,000 [GBP3,315,792; 08-20].

A joint submission with the University of Edinburgh to REF2021.
Impact date20012020
Category of impactEnvironmental