Crop Capsules, a pioneering agricultural company based in Wee Waa, New South Wales, has won the 2024 Bernard Blum Special Award for its revolutionary CottonCap® technology. The award, presented by the International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA), recognises the most innovative products that foster the uptake of biological control solutions, reinforcing sustainable agriculture on a global scale.
The CottonCap® product is a unique pest management tool designed to enable cotton growers to rapidly mass release beneficial insects for pest management on large areas of cotton. This innovative approach provides cotton producers with an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for the control of Silverleaf Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci).
“We are extremely honoured to receive this prestigious award,” said Sophie Gulliver, Research Scientist with Crop Capsules. “CottonCap® was developed with the vision of making biological control more accessible to cotton growers while maintaining overall crop yield and quality. To have this recognised at an international level is an incredible achievement.”
For 15 years the Bernard Blum Award has celebrated products that not only demonstrate technical innovation but also promote the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. Crop Capsules' simple and effective CottonCap® design enables the rapid release of beneficial insects by air over large areas of cotton in just a few hours; previously this would have taken days. This new system allows farmers to incorporate biological solutions more efficiently and effectively into their pest management strategies.
Olivia Bange, a Biological Agronomist with Crop Capsules, who presented at the 2024 Australian Cotton Conference earlier this year, expressed her excitement over the award: “Winning the Bernard Blum Award validates our work in advancing biological control. We’ve seen fantastic results with CottonCap, and this recognition highlights the positive impact for cotton growers.”
As biological control continues to gain momentum in the agricultural sector, Crop Capsules remains committed to leading the way with innovative and sustainable solutions, supporting both growers and the environment in a range of cropping systems and with a range of pest control solutions.
About Crop Capsules:
Based in Wee Waa, NSW, Crop Capsules is a leader in the development of biological pest management solutions in broadacre cropping systems. Specializing in products that assist in the release of beneficial insects, the company is dedicated to promoting sustainable agriculture across various industries.
For more information, visit www.cropcapsules.com.au or contact Sophie Gulliver.
PHOTO: Crop Capsules' CottonCap wins 2024 Bernard Blum Special Award
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