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At AgroChemex we strive to be able to provide the best and most appropriate research and development capabilities to all sectors of the agricultural, horticultural and biocide industries. We are fortunate at the research station to have a significant area of orchards, linking the site back to its early origins as a fruit farm. Top Fruit Studies The research station has sizeable established orchards of apples, pears and damsons. A number of varieties are available. | Apples | Golden Delicious, Red Devil, Katie, Gala, Discovery | | Pears | Concord, Conference |
The orchards are ideal for residue and efficacy trials on fungicides, especially for apple and pear scab, and insecticides examining, for example, codling moth. Further facilities, especially for insecticide work, are also available on a nearby satellite site. Crop selectivity trials and work on growth regulators can also be conducted. A specific area of expertise is whole tree plant metabolism studies, particularly using radiolabelled materials. Specialist equipment is utilised to enable treatment of the whole tree without contamination of the surrounding crop or environment. Vine Studies The station’s vineyard is unique within UK independent research stations. Key diseases include botrytis and powdery mildew facilitating fungicide work. Herbicide and selectivity studies may also be undertaken as can studies examining fruit set.
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