In this issue, we feature a research project that is testing biostimulants on barley to check that it does not impact the quality and characteristics of whisky. Our front cover is the River Spey in Scotland, and distilleries in this region are known as the Speyside whiskies. We then explored the topic of resistance in biopesticides. There’s been quite a bit of talk about nanofertilizers within the agriculture industry, especially in the crop production sector. Editor Janet Kanters looks more closely at this emerging technology.

The full contents are summarised below, or browse the issue here.

BIOSTIMULANTS

Scientists to ensure greener barley crops still fit for whisky
Malt whisky and cereal experts at the UK’s Heriot-Watt University are testing barley grown with biostimulants to make sure it’s still fit for Scotland’s national drink. Read here.

Biostimulant News
EcoStim expands to North America / S.c.a.m. S.p.A. acquires Choncimer Srl/ Bio Huma Netics rebrands as Huma, Inc. / Bionema launches biostimulant range

PLANT PROTECTION

Biopesticide resistance
The arrival of various biopesticide options on the market in recent years has meant that farmers could sleep a little more soundly, but it was inevitable. Resistance is now emerging for these products, as it has for conventional insecticides. Treena Hein reports. Read here.

Branching Out
A new academic paper presents a Data Decision tree and risk-based flow chart to help identify potential risk when using natural substances in plant protection. New AG International found out more from the authors.

Biocontrol News
Samurai wasp biocontrol against BMSB / CABI, FA Bio and CHAP partner on feasibility study / Combatting spotted lanternfly

PRECISION AGRICULTURE

Modular technology: The building blocks of a bright future
By Tim van der Leck, Regional Sales Manager North West Europe, Topcon Agriculture

Precision Agriculture News
Autonomous robot to stave off spotted lanternflies

PRODUCTS AND TRENDS

Nanofertilizers: Hype or Hope?
There’s been quite a bit of talk about nanofertilizers within the agriculture industry, especially in the crop production sector. Editor Janet Kanters looks more closely at this emerging technology. Read here.

Products and Trends News
Lucent Bio launches biodegradable nutrient delivery system / Nutrient delivery to crop leaves through nanomaterial surface roughness engineering

IRRIGATION

2023 Irrigation Show offers innovation, education and connecting
By Stephanie Clark, CEM, IA Strategic & Business Development Vice President

Irrigation News
Valmont to acquire HR Products

GREENHOUSE CROPPING

Greenhouse Cropping News
WUR researchers grow cucumbers using artificial intelligence / Freshbay announces geothermal agriculture project

AGRONOMICS AND ECONOMICS

Brazil, US signed agreement to develop fertilizer technologies
During its 50th anniversary celebration, Embrapa (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation) announced the signing of a cooperation agreement with the University of Florida and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Leonardo Gottems reports.

Insect frass as agricultural fertilizer
Insect excreta – frass – is being investigated as a new fertilizer opportunity. With the increase in insects reared as a food source, what to do with frass is top of mind. Thus, research into utilizing the frass as a fertilizer has come up time and again. Editor Janet Kanters writes.

New trends in soil and substrate disinfestation
Oded Achilea, PhD, reports from the 10th International Symposium on Soil and Substrate Disinfestation, held in June 2023 in Spain.

Agronomics and Economics News
Smart farming platform improves crop yields, minimizes pollution / Roots capable of measuring heat on their own

PEOPLE
Executive leadership changes at Valmont
Clare Doyle new CEO at Verdesian
CropX appoints John Gates as chief revenue officer
ADM appoints Nuria Miquel as CSO
Greeneye Technology appoints Ori Sarfaty as VP R&D
Paul Victor new interim CEO at Incitec Pivot