Scoping review: impact of fungicide programmes on cereal and oilseed varietal performance

AHDB REQUEST FOR QUOTE (RFQ)

 1. Introduction

The AHDB Recommended Lists for cereals and oilseeds (RL) publications and resources provide information on yield and quality performance, disease resistance and agronomic features as well as market options to assist with variety selection.  The project is managed by AHDB and produced in collaboration with the British Society of Plant Breeders, United Kingdom Flour Millers and the Maltsters Association of Great Britain. 

Each year tests and trials are commissioned to provide robust data to allow selection of the best varieties which have a balance of features which are sufficiently better than existing varieties.  Currently information is provided for 11 crops, as detailed below.

For most crops treated, yielded trials are done using full fungicide programmes which are designed to minimise disease.  Data resulting from these trials shows the genetic potential of a variety.  Trials that do not receive fungicide inputs, but do receive PGRs and other inputs according to best local practice, are also done to provide “untreated” yield data.  Information on resistance to specific diseases is provided as 1-9 ratings alongside yield data.

Links:

Further information on the RL

Trial protocols

 2. Background / Aims

In November 2022 AHDB launched a review of the RL project.  Review activities included a questionnaire, focus groups and stakeholder interviews.  Results of this activity have shown that there is demand for information on varietal performance with lower or more commercially typical inputs, this includes fungicides.   

As individual farms face different challenges it is unlikely that it will be possible to determine a ‘typical’ commercial fungicide programme for the UK. 

AHDB is seeking to commission a high-level review that will provide an overview on the evidence for any significant changes to cereals and oilseed varietal performance when trialled with different fungicide programmes.

Examples of work in this area include:

Combining agronomy, variety and chemistry to maintain control of septoria tritici in wheat | AHDB

Fungicide performance in cereals and oilseed rape | AHDB

The results of this high-level review will be used to help guide decisions on how levy payer demand for information on variety performance with lower inputs will be met.

 3. Service Requirement

 a. Provide an assessment on varietal performance of cereal and oilseed varieties under different commercially relevant fungicide programs:

      a.Evidence to show how the rank order of varieties in trial, by fungicide treated yield, is impacted by fungicide rate, product choice and number of applications.

      b. Evidence to show how grain quality characteristics are impacted by fungicide rate, product choice and number of applications. This should include specific weight, Hagberg falling number, protein content and oil content, as appropriate.

      c. An overview of appropriate variety trial design, methodologies and data analysis/modelling to assess performance under different fungicide programmes that is practicable for use within a national trials system.

b. For each of the areas above an evaluation of the strength of evidence should be provided, this should consider:

     a.The robustness of the available evidence base.

     b.The context under which evidence has been obtained, for example laboratory research, field trials and/or on-farm practice.

     c. An assessment of how much confidence we should place in the conclusions reached.

c. Outline where there are gaps in evidence that AHDB may seek to address through the commissioning of future research.

In addition to providing this overall picture, the supplier should – where possible – also provide AHDB with supporting information about:

     a. How recently the evidence was published and an assessment of its quality. A separate spreadsheet should be provided as a bibliography and include web links, if used (this should be in addition to the reference list in the final report).

     b. Upcoming pieces of relevant research – e.g. UKRI-funded research projects and when they’re due to report.

     c. Where – UK/EU/other – the research was undertaken, drawing the boundaries of the search parameters to include only research from climates and locations that will resonate with UK farming practice.

     d. Whether there are any limitations – commercial sponsorship, patents etc – on AHDB’s ability to access the evidence.

     e. A broad assessment of the ‘academic/grey’ split in the evidence – and, alongside that, any attempt to give a sense of proxy measures for the quality of the evidence.

With this information AHDB will consider how information on varietal performance with lower fungicide inputs can be delivered.  This may be achieved through changes to the Recommended List, or outside of the RL through other related activities.  Results of this scoping review will be used by AHDB in direct communication with RL stakeholders, including farmers and processors.

AHDB will arrange a meeting for the selected supplier to present their findings.

A report will be submitted within 3 months of the project’s start date.

 4. Structure / Format of Submission

Applicants are requested to complete the AHDB Research and KE Application Form – Full Proposal Small.

You should include:

• How you intend to address the project objectives and deliverables.
• Timelines and milestones.
• Details and the capabilities of the team that will complete the work.
• Details of any subcontractors/other organisations you will work with to achieve deliverables.
• Evidence you or your team have completed similar or related work.
• Proposed budget.
• Your contact details.

The maximum budget available for this work is £25,000 (inclusive of VAT).

5. Assessment of proposals

All bids will be scored against the criteria shown in the table below.  The selection will be an open and fair competition according to AHDB’s procurement policy, which complies with EU state aid rules.

 6. Tender submissions

Submission instructions:

Electronically:

Submissions will remain unopened until after the closing date and time has passed.

 7. Timetable

8. Additional Information

Not applicable

 9. Terms / Conditions of Participation

If you have any questions relating to this tender please contact: