Impact of fungicide programmes on the performance of cereals and oilseeds varieties (scoping review)

This project reviewed evidence on how reduced fungicide inputs impact the relative performance of cereal and oilseed varieties. It also identified potential options for testing varieties under reduced fungicide inputs. Several approaches were taken to review the vidence: Consideration of current variety trial inputs, in relation to AHDB guidance on fungicide inputs, highlighting the potential areas for reducing fungicide use. Reviewing evidence from the academic literature, AHDB reports and company trials data on the impact of reduced fungicide inputs on variety performance. Meeting with stakeholders to gather views on reduced-input variety testing. Consideration of mathematical modelling as a potentially cost-effective means of predicting how varieties are likely to perform under reduced inputs. The knowledge gaps, findings and recommendations from exploring these approaches were summarised and suggestions for variety testing under reduced variety inputs provided.