Applied research to protect arable crops

Our research scientists can provide evidence to guide crop disease management using chemical, genetic and biological approaches across all major crops. As well as leading multi-organisation collaborative research projects focused on disease management and prevention, we offer strategic consultancy to help growers make informed decisions.

We combine a practical understanding of disease management in the field with an appreciation of the wider impacts on agriculture, the environment and the food chain. By integrating disease biology with plant physiology, we aim to ensure effective yet sustainable protection of arable crops.

Jonathan Blake

Jonathan Blake

Technical Director for Crop Protection – ADAS Sustainable Agricultural Solutions

Our trial services at a glance

Plant protection efficacy trials for registration and marketing

Variety testing

Phenotyping

Resistance testing and monitoring

Biostimulant and biopesticide product testing

Protocol development and design

Scientifically robust applied research with practical results

Our ability to assess and interpret complex data, bearing in mind the wider agricultural context, gives us a unique advantage. Combined with our strong connections across crop protection and agronomy, we deliver targeted, practical solutions tailored to our clients’ needs.

Our role goes beyond scientific research – we bridge the gap between applied research and the agricultural industry by sharing knowledge and ensuring research outcomes deliver real-world benefits.

Along with conducting independent field trials to test variety and product performance, we offer

  • glasshouse, polytunnel, and small compartment studies
  • controlled environment studies
  • laboratory studies and experiments.

Our crop trial services

  • Trial design and delivery
  • Data collection and analysis
  • Impartial result reporting

Having conducted hundreds of trials over several decades, our clients can trust that our trials adhere to strict protocols and have full traceability. All our trials are carried out in accordance with ORETO (Official Recognition of Efficacy Testing) standards; all work is strictly confidential.

ADAS has research bases and trial sites across England and Wales, enabling it to evaluate performance with different soil types, weather and disease pressures.

Agronomics trial map

Smarter, more sustainable farming

Helping you to optimise your production.

Speak to us today

Other sustainable agriculture services

Sustainable growing media testing

Sustainable growing media testing

Regenerative agriculture and soil research

Regenerative agriculture and soil research

Post-harvest trials to reduce crop loss

Post-harvest trials to reduce crop loss

Crop nutrition research trials

Crop nutrition research trials

Measuring the climate impact of the supply chain 

Measuring the climate impact of the supply chain

Land use change research

Land use change research

Crop physiology research trials

Crop physiology research trials

Crop trial analysis with agronomics

Crop trial analysis with agronomics

Crop water use research

Crop water use research

Integrated pest management (IPM) research trials

Integrated pest management (IPM) research trials

Greenhouse gases research

Greenhouse gases research

Pesticide usage and impact research

Pesticide usage and impact research