Dr Jones to share expertise in Chartered Institute of Horticulture webinar

31st March 2021

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International Pheromone Solutions’ Technical Director Dr Sam Jones DPhil, MSc, BSc, BSc Hons will be giving a talk as part of the prestigious Chartered Institute of Horticulture’s Spring Webinar Series.

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The webinar called – Practising IPM in Gardens and Horticulture and the Important Role of Pheromones – takes place on 14th April at 3pm. Registration closes on 12th April 2021. The session is free to attend and open to all. You can register for the event here. Access details will be emailed to registered participants before the event.

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The aim of this short webinar will be to introduce the audience to semiochemicals (including pheromones) and to highlight the important role that they play in an effective Integrated Pest Management plan. This will involve looking at the types of semiochemicals used by insects, how they function and how they can be implemented into both larger scale horticultural systems and smaller traditional garden settings. Dr Jones will discuss a variety of insect pests and the appropriate systems used to manage each of these which should be of interest to horticulturists, vegetable growers and home gardeners.

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Dr Jones will also introduce the principles of IPM and how this can be practised in smaller scale settings.

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He explains: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to take part in this webinar series. It’s a great opportunity to explain the advantages of Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

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“IPM is an environmentally friendly and ecologically sensitive approach to managing insect pests, diseases and weeds which uses a combination of different strategies and practices. The ultimate aim is to control pests as and when required without the need for blanket application of hazardous pesticides. Despite being initially developed for intensive arable and horticultural systems, the principles of IPM can be easily applied to smaller scale vegetable plots and gardens.

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“Trapping systems using pheromones and other semiochemicals (semiochemicals are marker or signal chemicals transmitting information between organisms) are used to monitor and manage insect pests, which is an integral part of any successful IPM plan. The importance of pest monitoring was identified by one of Britain’s most eminent entomologists and ecologists, the late Sir Richard Southwood FRS, who succinctly stated that Monitoring is the cornerstone of IPM. It is therefore important to understand how pheromone lures can be successfully implemented into a pest management plan whether you are a commercial horticulturist or a humble gardener.”

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Dr Jones is an entomologist with a keen interest in insect taxonomy, chemical ecology and behaviour. His academic achievements include a PhD in Chemical Ecology from the University of Sussex, a Masters in Entomology from Imperial College and Undergraduate degrees in Zoology and Chemistry from the Universities of Leeds and Leicester, respectively.

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His role at International Pheromone Systems enables him to use his knowledge of chemistry and insect behaviour to develop new and improved products for the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) market. Much of his work involves collaboration with commercial partners and Research Institutes to develop novel solutions for the IPM market and resolve emerging pest issues.

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Passionate about wildlife and its conservation; in his spare time Dr Jones works within a team surveying insect diversity at protected sites and reserves and is currently adapting his large garden to maximize the variety of plant and animal species that inhabit the space.

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Wirral-based International Pheromone Solutions offers a nature-based approach and specialist knowledge for natural and safe solutions to monitor and manage pests in agricultural and domestic environments.

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The company’s highly skilled entomologists find solutions from nature itself. Together with universities, scientific partners and growers, the IPS team works to find natural solutions to help reduce pesticide use and support Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in agriculture, horticulture and forestry businesses.

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A healthier, safer and more productive environment is achieved by using the natural behaviour of pests and finding the right pheromone combination and trapping solution specific to a particular species.

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ENDS

For further information contact Suzi Christie on 07590 591140 or suzi@blueberry-pr.co.uk