Apple growers are investigating willow woodchip mulch as a way of tackling apple scab in a new field lab with the Soil Association’s Innovative Farmers network.
The farmer-led field lab is trialling willow mulch in commercial orchards and will be carrying out a cost-benefit analysis of this non-chemical control approach. It follows initial research by the University of Reading into the pharmaceutical qualities of willow.
A range of growers, including members of the National Association of Cider Makers and small holders, are taking part in the AHDB sponsored field lab which was launched at an event last week with Sheppy’s Cider.
They will all compare results and share knowledge via Innovative Farmers, a not-for-profit network that enables farmer-led research and is organising the trials with support from Sustainable Farming Consultancy.
Ben Raskin, head of horticulture at the Soil Association, said:“Willow woodchip contains the active ingredient in Aspirin - salicylic acid – and the initial research has suggested that a single application in early spring can help tackle apple scab.
“Mulch is a great tool for building soil health and for water retention but using it to tackle scab is new territory, so this is a really exciting trial.
“It will be especially important to see if it is cost effective in real farm settings, so it is essential that farmers lead the way in research like this and we’re pleased to have a mix of growers from smaller and larger systems taking part in the field lab.”
For more information on the trial visitwww.innovativefarmers.org.
