Game-changing biostimulant for UK tomato growers under development
ADAS is excited to be part of a new collaboration with SugaROx, Fera, and the British Tomato Growers Association
Sustainability in tomato production
Optimal tomato growth, fruit set, and yield occur at day/night temperatures of 21°C to 29.5°C and 18.5°C to 21°C, respectively. However, climate change is making high temperatures more frequent, longer-lasting, and intense. The summer of 2022 saw the UK’s first-ever 40°C day, posing significant challenges for tomato producers.
Innovative research and development
To test SugaROx T6P technology for crop biostimulation, Fera will use Phenospex PlantEye Technology to produce 3-D scans of tomato plants under heat and drought stress, comparing them to unstressed plants.
ADAS will then model the economic and carbon benefits of the biostimulant across three end-user scenarios. We will examine the carbon footprint of the biostimulant itself, before assessing the carbon benefits of using it compared to non-use. By comparing both scenarios, we will calculate the potential carbon gains and the added benefit from its application.
To ensure the solution meets the needs of UK producers, the British Tomato Growers’ Association (BTGA) will support with site selection, act as Knowledge Exchange Champion, and share updates with their members as the project progresses.
About the project team
- SugaROx is a spin-out from Oxford University and Rothamsted Research. It is on a mission to develop a next generation of biostimulants to increase the productivity, resilience, sustainability and profitability of crop production in the UK and globally.
- ADAS is an independent research and consultancy provider focused on food security and the environment.
- Fera Science Limited is a leading provider of scientific services, committed to innovation and delivering sustainable solutions to environmental and food safety challenges.
- The British Tomato Growers’ Association (BTGA) supports British tomato growers and encourages consumers to buy British produce.