Ecotoxicological studies of a substance are of great importance, since effects on organisms in different environmental compartments can be measured and evaluated. We offer in our laboratory studies of aquatic and terrestrial ecotoxicology. This can be performed as acute, subacute or reproductive studies.As aquatic monitor organisms bacteria, algae, daphnia or fish can be used. Depending on the test method and stability of the test item the aquatic studies are performed static, semi-static or as flow through study. Furthermore we perform bioassays with earthworms (Eisenia andrei), blackworms (Lumbriculus variegatus) or chironomids (Chironomus riparus) as well as studies on the biotransformation (C and N transformation) in the test system soil.We will advise you in the selection of an appropriate test method for your substance and offer you the complete studies with the necessary analysis!

The team is dedicated to the development of technologies that enable stakeholders to make decisions across the agri-food chain and in the environment. Our interest is in the application of generic solutions such as PCR, isothermal amplification and next generation sequencing techniques. In particular we have considerable expertise in developing diagnostics for front line use. We work with growers, agronomists and Defra developing methods to enable better detect of plant pathogens in propagation material, soil, water and air. Early detection of pathogens in crops enables us to initiate control measures much earlier, preventing spread and reducing the impact of disease. We offer the most comprehensive range of testing services and are the UK's largest tester of crop health testing in excess of 8,500 samples a year.

Our expertise covers pest species including insects, mites, slugs and nematodes. Our specialists can help you to detect, identify, monitor and control pests in growing crops and stored produce. Our work also includes research on pests, such as house flies, blow flies, midges and parasitic mites, as well as supporting the development of novel biological and chemical pesticides.

If you are developing new pest control measures, our team has the expertise to support you every step of the way – from early stage pre-commercialisation research, through to preparing registration dossiers and product stewardship. Our interdisciplinary approach and access to specialist facilities enable us to adapt our research to meet the specific requirements of your project.

Our work helps farmers and growers to achieve more sustainable crop production while protecting the environment from disease threats, and focuses on disease surveillance and risk forecasting, supported by our expertise in epidemiology, pathogen and disease identification, molecular diagnosis, spatial aspects of disease spread, knowledge management and transfer.

We can support you with our research expertise in pathogen epidemiology, disease-management strategies, chemical applications, pesticide efficacy testing (ORETO registered) and monitoring for resistance in pathogen populations. Our team is also a leading provider of research on quarantine plant pathogens. Our facilities include specialised quarantine laboratories and glasshouses, which we use to study the epidemiology and control of pathogens that may present a threat to UK farmers and growers.

We maintain culture collections of major plant pathogens including Fusarium species, Septoria tritici, Phytophthora ramorum, P. kernoviae and Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus (the cause of ash dieback). We can also collect additional isolates on request, particularly pathogens of wheat and oilseed rape.