Hutchinsons event unveils latest developments in vegetable crop production

A collaboration between Hutchinsons, Farmacy and the Allium & Brassica Centre, the aim of the hub was to demonstrate practical, science-led solutions that enhance crop growth, improve quality and ultimately increase grower profitability, explained Dr Tim Lacey, Hutchinsons’ fresh produce manager. 

“We brought together some of the most forward-thinking companies to explore crop protection methods ranging from traditional techniques to the latest biologicals and digital tools, helping refine IPM strategies so growers can achieve consistent and reliable results,” he said. 

“During its first season, the Hub looked at an extensive programme of demonstrations spanning weed control, nutrient strategies, biostimulant technologies, biological pest management and precision digital agronomy. “ 

Dr Lacy explained that the sessions included assessments of pre- and post-emergence herbicides, work on improving nutrient efficiency and crop nutrition, and trials showing how biostimulants can strengthen establishment while enhancing yield and quality.” 

Visitors were also privy to demonstrations of the Omnia Digital Farming platform and TerraMap soil scanning technology, which drew strong interest. 

Henry Richardson, digital services specialist at Hutchinsons, said: “Omnia brings together data from the Omnia Scout app, satellite imagery, machine telematics and TerraMap to generate high-resolution insights into soil health and crop performance. 

“TerraMap alone captures around 800 data points per hectare—far exceeding conventional sampling—allowing growers to target inputs precisely where they are needed.” 

Also now offering a new standard in farm management solutions, Omnia incorporates a spray module, Halo Audit System, Field Diary, stock management features and detailed reporting, creating a live and comprehensive digital filing cabinet to support decision-making and provide full traceability. 

The role of biologicals 

Dr Richard Binks, entomologist with biological specialist Koppert, highlighted the increasing value of beneficial nematodes as regulatory pressure continues to restrict conventional seed treatments. 

There have been strong results across beans, lettuce, onions and brassicas, using nematode species such as Steinernema carpocapsae and Steinernema feltiae to manage pests including bean seed fly, carrot fly, wireworm, codling moth, whitefly and swede midge. 

“Koppert is also progressing its microbiological seed and soil treatments and expanding production of beneficial insects, including parasitic wasps and predatory mites,” he said. 

Dr Binks outlined the work the company is undertaking, with new aerial and ground-based dispersal systems for biological products and producing native bees for outdoor pollination services in crops such as squash, cherries and top fruit. 

He emphasised that improving plant stress tolerance through soil biostimulants, combined with enhanced pollination, helps reduce reliance on synthetic chemistry and supports a healthier cropping ecosystem. 

A suite of microbial products designed to suppress disease inoculum both above and below ground from Lallemand were shared. 

Gene expression and crop resilience  

Bryan Limerick, regional sales manager for the UK and Ireland, explained how Clonostachys rosea J1446 offers proactive defence against rhizoctonia, fusarium and Phytophthora, supporting crops such as lettuce and brassicas at early establishment by forming a protective barrier in the root zone. 

He advised for long-term Sclerotinia challenges, Coniothyrium minitans CON/M/91-08 provides a biological method for reducing sclerotia levels in contaminated soils. 

“With no residue or toxicological concerns, it offers considerable flexibility on timing and can be applied to bare soil or crop residues, allowing growers to stay ahead of increasingly aggressive pathogen strains,” he said. 

Andrew Linscott of Alltech Crop Science presented research exploring how nutrition influences gene expression and improves crop resilience. He highlighted fermentation technology, which has created a formulation containing bacterial metabolites and natural enzymatic compounds. 

“These support root development, improve mineral availability and strengthen the soil microbiome. In onions, for example, this formulation has helped crops recover more quickly following herbicide applications,” he said. 

The expert also highlighted an N-fixing microbial biostimulant shown to enhance nutrient uptake and reduce dependence on mineral fertilisers. He further outlined the role of an elicitor biostimulant, which induces systemic resistance. 

“This is widely used in top fruit, soft fruit and vineyards—in stimulating natural defence pathways and boosting yield and quality. Recent work with Canterbury University demonstrated that this biostimulant can prompt rapid up-regulation of plant defence genes within just four hours of application.” 

Glaia demonstrated its nano-carbon ‘dot’ technology, the active ingredient in its biostimulant Fragaria, which enhances photosynthetic efficiency beyond the typical one percent. 

“Collaborative studies with Nottingham University have shown increases in leaf and shoot mass even in low-light environments. 

“At the Hub, broccoli trials revealed stronger establishment in dry conditions and noticeable increases in head size and head count, achieved without altering fertiliser programmes or irrigation regimes,” Robert Bird, chief business officer, added. 

Orion FT showcased silicon-based technologies, including Sirius and Rigel-G, which supply highly available mono-silicic acid to reinforce plant structure rapidly. 

Mike Stoker, Business Development Agronomist, explained: “Silicon strengthens cell walls, improves the uptake of key nutrients such as zinc, nitrogen and phosphorus, enhances resilience to pests, disease and environmental stress, and increases a crop’s overall growth efficiency. 

“These physiological improvements enable plants to support greater leaf area and withstand more demanding conditions, ultimately contributing to higher yield potential.” 

Reflecting on the success of the Hub’s first season, Dr Tim Lacey said he is excited to expand the site and its programme of trials for 2026. He envisages broadening the crop range and exploring additional technologies that can deliver real value to the vegetable industry and encouraged more innovation partners to join Hutchinsons in developing the Hub further. 

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