The Horticultural Development Company is calling for proposals for a new tendering round as it looks to invest in R&D for pest management strategies to counter the vine weevil.
With funding available of up to £20,000, HDC says it hopes to fund a single project to provide research into crop protection against the pest, which infests a wide range of ornamental plants and fruits, especially those grown in containers. The British horticultural body also confirmed it will look to explore the use of novel biocontrol agents and genetic resistance to reduce the need for chemical pesticides to combat populations of the vine weevil.
“Vine weevil continues to be a key pest which poses real challenges for horticulture, both across the edible and ornamental sectors,' explained Jon Knight, head of R&D at the HDC.
He added: 'The HDC has a large portfolio of past research projects into vine weevil and with every project we get a step closer towards understanding the issues associated with the pest. This call for proposals is a step into turning this wealth of information into a coherent approach for future integrated pest management controls.”
The deadline for proposals is Thursday 1 August 2013, with applicants notified of successful projects by mid-September 2013. Joint applications and consortium projects will also be considered.
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