Project Provides Blackgrass Resistance Diagnostic

Scientists at Newcastle University and Mologic Ltd have created an on-farm blackgrass resistance diagnostic (BReD), leading to the development of a one-step, rapid lateral flow product for detecting glutathione transferase (AmGSTF1) concentrations in blackgrass, based on the pioneering work over the last 20 years on the chemical control of this weed carried out by Prof Rob Edwards’ research group at the university.

“Mologic has a proud history in forming lasting partnerships with both academic and commercial organisations. We are excited to bring BReD to the field as this is the first non-IVD product to be taken from development through to manufacture and commercialisation by our team. Mologic plans to advance towards extending its portfolio of innovative agricultural diagnostic devices,” said general manager Mitch Brooker.

“Working with Prof Edwards and his colleagues at Newcastle University has provided access to pioneering research, which when combined with our innovative lateral flow technology has enabled us to deliver BReD, a world first in on-farm technologies, giving agronomists and farmers a real measure of the degree of non-target site herbicide resistance in their blackgrass populations and enabling the farm to make informed decisions.”

Prof Rob Edwards, Professor of Agriculture and Director of the Institute for Agri-Food Research and Innovation (IAFRI) at Newcastle University said: “Early-indication diagnostic tests are common place in medicine (and) ..it should be no different in agriculture. This new diagnostic tool marks an important step in our fight against resistance, using the latest research to deliver solutions in crop protection. It is an approach we have termed ‘personalised agriculture’ and BReD represents the first in a series of diagnostics we are working on to counteract resistance and emerging disease in the agricultural setting.”

Prof Edwards’ research was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), as part of the Black-Grass Resistance Initiative a partnership with Rothamsted Research, Sheffield and York Universities and the Institute of Zoology.

Further information at www.bgri.info