Technical Services

Working closely with our clients we provide a range of services, from consultancy on trial protocols through to management and delivery of project outputs.

Pest research services include:

• Efficacy trials, for both conventional and novel alternatives.
• Evaluations of biological control programmes and efficacy.
• Biology/ behavioural studies of pests and natural enemies.
• Impacts of management strategies on beneficial invertebrates.
• Development of novel pest management strategies.
• Assessments of biodiversity conservation strategies onsite to deliver field-scale ecosystem services.

We provide evidence-based, independent data, from laboratory to validation in glasshouse or field crops at commercially relevant scales. Our pest research portfolio is always practical and applied to real industry problems with sustainable solutions for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programmes and biodiversity stewardship, our goal.

Plant pathology focused projects are conducted on a contract basis to bespoke and exacting trial requirements. We have experience with a wide range of plant pathogens for such projects and can provide evidence based, independent data at commercially relevant scales.

Picture below of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum on melons.

Micropropagation is a method of vegetative propagation using plant tissue culture techniques. It involves growing small parts of plants [explants], under sterile conditions on a specially formulated gel medium under controlled temperature and light regimes.

Our service gives the advantage of:

• All-year-round production
• Rapid bulking up
• Contract growing plug or liners
• Pest, disease and virus-free plant material

STC’s micropropagation unit is engaged in a number of research and development projects aimed at improving the commercial application of micropropagation. Work is additionally welcomed from amateur gardeners and members of the public.