Planning your rotational studies and plant back crop trials
In order to detect any adverse effect of a pesticide on the following crops, our teams regularly conduct rotational studies and plant back trials, also called succeeding crops
Watch our video below showing a plant-back trial, sprayed on bare soil in autumn 2021 in the Midlands, UK. The plot was drilled in Spring using different cultivation methods, and our agronomists regularly assess the development of spring field beans, spring barley, maize and sugar beet.
Plant back trials are required for the biological assessment (efficacy) dossier, they are conducted under GEP compliance. We also perform rotational GLP compliant studies - including sampling, logistics and residue analysis at our laboratories - within the consumer safety packages.
Pesticide persistence in soil can be altered by soil cultivation practices, leading to completely different residue profile in the following crops. In our studies, we routinely compare different practices, from ploughing to superficial seedbed preparation.
Our seasoned Study Directors coordinate multi-site studies each year across all zones and pedoclimatic conditions. They work expert agronomists who have extensive cropping experience and are fully equipped to perform these special studies. Their main challenge is to keep out field mammals, slugs and birds until trial completion, and various techniques are used, such as nets and fences. We also advise the suitable crops and planting dates to minimize risks of damage, whilst being representative of typical agricultural practice.
Contact Dave Clark for more information
