Priorities for new resistance management strategies, funding and maintenance of existing and new strategies, and an industry approach to resistance surveillance.
These were the topics under discussion at an A Lighter Touch-hosted resistance management (RM) workshop last month involving 27 representatives from agrichemical companies and suppliers, industry groups, research institutes, trial providers and contractors.
The workshop also involved three experts who have reviewed existing RM strategies, Dr Trevor James, of Bioeconomy Science Institute – AgResearch, Dr Rob Beresford of Bioeconomy Science Institute – Plant & Food Research and Tim Herman of BASF.
The workshop is part of the next stage of work A Lighter Touch (ALT) has underway in relation to resistance management. Having updated the existing RM strategies, the programme wants to work with industry to determine priorities for new strategies, a system for maintaining and updating them after the A Lighter Touch programme ends, and an industry approach to resistance surveillance and screening.
Attendees at the Resistance Management Workshop in Wellington.
ALT transition technical lead Bruno Gatimel who led the day says the importance of resistance management was evident in the conversations throughout the day, and a large amount of work was identified.
ALT transition technical lead Bruno Gatimel.
“A Lighter Touch is putting together a plan of action for each of the work areas identified and will progress these as far as possible in the time we have until ALT ends in March 2027. Part of that work will also be looking to ensure there is a framework and industry oversight in place to continue to progress it post-ALT.”
The day encompassed five sessions of structured discussions, idea sharing and distilling information to concrete outcomes, utilising the experience and knowledge of participants from across crop protection.
The first session was to identify the existing RM strategies due for updates by pesticide type of insecticides, fungicides and herbicides.
Group breakout discussions identified gaps and risks and consensus was that current RM strategies need updates to maintain their relevance, regulatory integrity, and field effectiveness. The evolving nature of resistance means even current strategies require review and ongoing updating to ensure they remain relevant.
Session two focused on identifying and prioritising new RM strategies. A shortlist of high-priority RM strategies essential for the industry, in the short-term, was completed. Next steps for this work will involve determining how new RM strategies will be developed, in conjunction with a working group of industry representatives.
Developing a robust system for timely RM developments and updates, post ALT, was the third topic discussed. Small groups were used to brainstorm and vote on each group’s top three priority elements.
A permanent funding model and cross-industry agreement were the top two priorities common to all breakout groups for developing a RM system. Further table discussions delved into ideas and options for both priorities and feedback was captured in the session notes.
The next step is to establish working groups on ‘Cross-industry collaboration’ and ‘Funding model’ and people were invited to express their interest in volunteering for one of the groups.
Session four centred on resistance surveillance and screening. Participants were asked about the characteristics of an effective, efficient, and sustainable resistance screening system.
The answers shared common themes – sustainability and affordability, scientific and technical integrity and innovation and continuity.
A working group for developing and implementing a robust and cost-effective pesticide resistance surveillance system will be formed from those interested in contributing to this area.
Idea sharing and discussions during the RM Workshop.
The final session gathered insights on communication, education and extension of RM strategies. Points raised in group discussions included audience targeting, certification and training, information technology and systems support, international models, economic factors, industry variation and more.
A fourth working group, this one for RM education and extension, will act in an advisory capacity to support ALT, in developing and implementing a RM education extension plan and supporting communications strategy.
Bruno says the momentum, optimism and shared commitment generated at the workshop provide a strong foundation to build on in order to address industry priorities.
First steps for the four new working groups will be to define their specific purpose and what they want to deliver to achieve that, as well as a plan to guide that work. ALT will continue to provide updates as this work progresses.
