This project is targeted at improving farm competitiveness and viability through the creation of an  effective,  natural  and  potentially  low  cost  and  readily  available  bio-pesticide  to  stop  the spread  of  blight.

Development in  the  understanding  of  saponins  within  plants  such as  common  ivy  will enable  rural  communities  to  utilise  more  commonly  available  raw  ingredients  in  the production of chemical compounds. It will potentially develop  ivy  into  a  crop  rather  than  being  treated  as  an  unwanted invasive species. Ivy  grows  naturally  in  the  UK  so  does  not  need  to  be  imported  reducing  carbon footprint associated with production and transportation

This  will  reduce  crop  wastage  through  decimation  of  crops  through  potato blight  and  as  a  direct  result  allow  increased  potato  sales,  improved  turnover  and  improved profitability.  Increased certainty of turnover and profitability will also give farms the confidence to invest on farm to further improve farm competitiveness and viability in the future.

The natural base for the product will be looked on in a more favourable light when compared to  products  developed  using  chemical  pesticides  and  encourage  greater  adoption  of  potato growing by other farmers leading to increased consumption.

The  development  of  a  natural  based  bio-pesticide  will also  reduce  the  risk  of  chemical contaminations  into  margin  areas  of  crops and  local  water  courses  and  as  such  help  in  the preservation of on farm and surrounding area ecosystem. This   project,   if   successful,   will   help   improve   fertiliser   and   pesticide management, by reducing farmers’ reliance on conventional treatments for blight,  which are under threat of withdrawal.