Leonard G Copping

Bio: Leonard G Copping is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Crop protection & Introductory Journal Article. The author has an hindex of 4, co-authored 8 publications receiving 1017 citations.

Biopesticides: a review of their action, applications and efficacy

Abstract: A survey is given of the wide range of different materials and organisms that can be classified as biopesticides. Details are given of those currently of commercial importance, and future developments in this area are discussed. It is considered that, while in the immediate future biopesticides may continue to be limited mainly to niche and speciality markets, there is great potential for long-term development and growth, both in their own right and in providing leads in other areas of pest management science.

Natural products that have been used commercially as crop protection agents.

Abstract: Many compounds derived from living organisms have found a use in crop protection. These compounds have formed the basis of chemical synthesis programmes to derive new chemical products; they have been used to identify new biochemical modes of action that can be exploited by industry-led discovery programmes; some have been used as starting materials for semi-synthetic derivatives; and many have been used or continue to be used directly as crop protection agents. This review examines only those compounds derived from living organisms that are currently used as pesticides. Plant growth regulators and semiochemicals have been excluded from the review, as have living organisms that exert their effects by the production of biologically active secondary metabolites.

Are neonicotinoids killing bees

Abstract: Since their introduction in the 1990s, neonicotinoids have become the most widely used insecticides in the world accounting for over 25% of the global insecticide market and with a value of approximately $4 billion in 20141. These insecticides have been subject to the same registration procedures as other pesticides to ensure they meet rigorous scientific and regulatory requirements to protect human health and the environment. However, over the last ten years there have been increasing claims of adverse effects on pollinators and other wildlife following the use of certain neonicotinoid insecticides. For example, numerous laboratory, semi-field, and field studies have been conducted to understand the impact of neonicotinoids on bees; however, results have been widely debated and contested. In response, in 2013, the European Union on the advice of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) restricted the use of three neonicotinoids clothianidin and imidacloprid (manufactured by Bayer) and thiamethoxam (manufactured by Syngenta), amid concerns that they have harmful effects on bees. The UK government reluctantly implemented this moratorium but did not feel that available field trial evidence supported the restrictions, and thus called for a refocus to deliver a precautionary, hazard-based approach to pesticide use to help protect bees. EFSA is currently conducting a review of available data to assess the risks to bees from the use of clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam, and a decision is expected later in 2017. Recently the European Commission (EC) has proposed an outright ban on all field uses of neonicotinoids with applications confined to areas where bees are not present, e.g. glasshouses; however, this requires ratification by Member States. In this issue of Pest Management Science, we are pleased to present a compilation of articles inspired by a conference entitled ‘Are neonicotinoids killing bees?’ organised by the Agrisciences technical interest group of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI), and held at SCI Headquarters, 14/15 Belgrave Square, London, UK on 22 September 2016. The conference heard from experts from academia, the crop protection industry, and regulatory agencies, in addition to beekeepers and farmers, to explore the data behind the ban, the impact of alternative control methods, and what the options are for the future, through promotion of sound scientific evidence to aid decision-making.

Developments in the use of Bacillus species for industrial production

Abstract: Bacillus species continue to be dominant bacterial workhorses in microbial fermentations. Bacillus subtilis (natto) is the key microbial participant in the ongoing production of the soya-based trad...

Biofuels from algae: challenges and potential.

Abstract: Algae biofuels may provide a viable alternative to fossil fuels; however, this technology must overcome a number of hurdles before it can compete in the fuel market and be broadly deployed. These challenges include strain identification and improvement, both in terms of oil productivity and crop protection, nutrient and resource allocation and use, and the production of co-products to improve the economics of the entire system. Although there is much excitement about the potential of algae biofuels, much work is still required in the field. In this article, we attempt to elucidate the major challenges to economic algal biofuels at scale, and improve the focus of the scientific community to address these challenges and move algal biofuels from promise to reality.