Using "smart seed" technology, this programme is developing a novel approach to pest and disease management in brassicas - using seeds and seed coatings containing naturally-occurring microscopic organisms (microbes).

Programme goal:

• To identify microbes with enhanced biological attributes that will provide tolerance or protection against a range of pests and diseases, without the need for chemicals or genetic engineering.

In the case of vegetables such as cabbage and pak choi, and forage crops such as rape and turnip, the protection will target the economically-costly problems of black rot, clubroot, soft rot and damage from diamondback moth.

Funded by the Foundation for Research, Science & Technology, the programme began in 2007 and is currently at the first of its four stages:

• identification of appropriate bioactive agents
• development of a prototype seed product
• identification of factors affecting the biocontrol agents
• validation of the end product.

  Read more about Smart Seeds