We’re pleased to report our collaborative research project, Enigma I, is yielding valuable results halfway through its investigation into sustainable wireworm control.

Hear from project partner, Martyn Cox, specialist agronomist and owner of Blackthorn Arable, on the successful outcomes so far, and how Fera’s Adam Bedford, projects director, is keen to replicate these with further Enigma investigations in collaboration with leading fresh produce growers.

Connecting Fera scientists with the wireworm issue on-farm

To investigate and understand wireworm damage patterns in more detail, we have analysed over 1,100 samples of click beetles, collected across the UK and in France too.

Not only were the samples collected by Fera scientists, our Enigma I project partners have also collated samples of click beetle on-farm. For this research, our partners include leading companies in the agri-food sector, such as Syngenta, G’s Growers, Pearce Seeds, Blackthorn Arable, Elveden Farms and Inov3PT.

Using grower and scientist insights and cutting-edge analysis methods, we have developed a photographic key that will help producers identify, monitor and control wireworm populations more accurately.

How growers benefit from scientific research

Enigma I partner, Martyn Cox, is a specialist agronomist and owner of Blackthorn Arable. He explains how growers are benefitting from the scientific expertise at the heart of our Enigma R&D model, of which the wireworm project is the first in the series.

“Before becoming involved in the Enigma project, we had a good idea on the direction needed to control wireworm, but the industry was desperate for a greater understanding of the pest,” he explains.

“We needed scientific skills and support to help us come up with more effective management strategies that would minimise commercial risk.”

Project findings help deliver commercial outcomes

Encouraging others to support upcoming Enigma research projects, Martyn shares how impressed he has been with the fast-paced progress delivered by our market-focussed scientists.

“The Fera team’s scientific rigour and expertise has been world-class,” he says.

“The scientists are working with us a on a peer-to-peer level and totally get what we’re trying to achieve on-the-ground.”

The joined-up efforts, delivered via Enigma, have been crucial to changing the status quo for Integrated Pest Management (IPM), he adds.

“Insights from the Enigma I research have helped us develop an on-farm IPM policy I’m proud of, and this will help achieve better wireworm control.”

Solving further challenges in the agri-food supply chain

Adam Bedford, projects director at Fera Science, is eager to apply the transferrable lessons from our Enigma I wireworm research to help solve other pressing agri-food challenges.

“We have two exciting upcoming projects, Enigma II and III, which will again bring growers and scientists together to address knowledge gaps more effectively. This time, with the aim of upholding productivity and food safety in fresh produce crops,” he explains.

“We’re keen to ensure the research outcomes deliver practical support for growers, and welcome organisations in the fresh produce supply chain to partner with us on Enigma II or III.”

Enigma II – Improved disease control in tomato crops

Through Enigma II, we’ll be working with key players across the UK tomato industry to improve sector-wide management of Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV).

This involves investigating disease-resistant varieties and help prevent crop losses that are compounding growers’ current economic challenges.

Enigma III – Food safety assurance in vertical farming settings

Our following research project, Enigma III, is being driven by the need to ensure the highest levels of food safety across the fresh produce sector, while realising the benefits of precision-driven food production.

We’re aiming to give further confidence to vertical and controlled environment farming companies and retailers, by developing industry-led, scientifically validated guidance on food safety issues.

In partnership with the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), we’ll be working hand-in-hand with vertical farming companies to further develop effective food safety guidance they can implement.

Learn more about Enigma, our strategic R&D model, the benefits to project partners, and how to get involved here.