The Mollusc Centre of Expertise promotes pioneering research and development into the biology and behaviour of molluscs and the control of mollusc pests. This is a joint venture between i2LNorthEast (a branch office of i2LResearch Ltd), and Newcastle University, and is lead by Dr Catherine Whaley and Dr Gordon Port, both internationally recognised experts in the field of slug biology, behaviour and control. i2LResearch Ltd and Newcastle University have a long standing alliance and the Mollusc Centre of Expertise enables them to combine their expertise to undertake innovative research and training.
The range of our activities is briefly described below:
- Mollusc senses
- attractants
- repellents
- arrestants
- Mollusc feeding
- plant preferences
- food acceptance
- Mollusc activity
- recording nocturnal activity
- effects of weather and environmental conditions
- Mollusc growth
- survival analysis
- growth curves
- Mollusc reproduction
- rates of egg production
- percentage viability
- Mollusc species
What can we do for you?
Laboratory
We have dedicated CT facilities available for:
Determining intrinsic toxicity of new molluscicides using Higher Throughput System (HTS) techniques.
LD50 and LD90 evaluation of new and existing molluscicides.
Performing minimum effective dosage studies.
Small-scale terrarium studies for evaluating new behaviour-modifying compounds with an improved environmental profile.
Bait optimisation studies:
Relative palatability and initial acceptability testing of new bait matrices
Foraging and feeding behavioural studies using time-lapse video techniques
Olfaction studies to compare attraction and repellency of formulations
Semi-field Studies
We have over 350 caged arenas available for simulated-field studies. These arenas can be used to determine:
Product efficacy (molluscicidal potential and crop protection afforded)
Product integrity
Product longevity
Effects on non-target organisms
Phytotoxic effects and effects on succeeding crops.
Our caged arena studies can be used to support field trial data for registration purposes.
Field Studies
We have access to a range of field sites covering different geographical locations in both the UK and overseas (primarily Czech Republic and Italy).
Sites are available for all appropriate agricultural and horticultural test crops. We also have available large areas of cultivated land for small-plot trials generally preferred for Amateur use products. i2L Research Ltd is an Officially Recognised Testing Organisation and all data generated will be accepted by EU Regulatory Authorities for the registration of new or existing plant protection products.
Contact us
For further information contact either:
Dr Catherine Whaley,
i2LResearch Ltd,
Close House Field Station,
Heddon on the Wall,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
NE15 0HT.
Telephone: 07876 157913
e-mail: catherine@i2lresearch.com
or
Dr Gordon Port,
School of Biology,
Newcastle University,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
NE1 7RU.
Telephone: +44 (0)191 222 6894
e-mail: Gordon.Port@newcastle.ac.uk
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