Cereal Killers

Dr. Russell Sharp explains Eutrema’s Periodic Table of Plant Health, a handy poster included with orders that groups essential and non-essential elements and explains their roles in plant nutrition.

This episode walks through macronutrients (NPK), secondary nutrients, micronutrients, non-mineral needs (CO2, H, O), beneficial extras like silicon, toxic elements to avoid, and practical tips for lawn, turf, arable, and hydroponic growers — plus info on freebies and resources from Eutrema.

https://eutrema.co.uk/plant-health-periodic-table-poster/

Dr Russell Sharp reviews recent weather impacts on crops, lawns and hydroponics, announces a Black Friday humic acid offer (code HUMIC15), and explains how wetting agents and soil moisture matter after drought and heavy rain.

He introduces an upcoming food‑grade, biodegradable root stimulant designed to replace potassium phosphite, outlines plans to patent it, and describes required testing across diverse plant species plus greenhouse and split‑pot trials.

Also covered: new tank‑mix compatibility chart on the Eutrema website, sample and trial opportunities for small growers and turf managers, and upcoming events like Grounds Fest.

Dr. Russell Sharp explains why his company doesn’t sell microbial products, citing viability, supply-chain dilution and poor-quality suppliers that damage the sector’s reputation.

He announces a free service for regenerative farmers: send recent microbial products to Eutrema for microscopy, staining and culture tests to verify identity, viability and concentration, with results shared to help clean up the market.

https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/pesticides-organic/chitosan-biofungicide/

Dr. Russell Sharp explores perennial arable crops such as kernza, perennial rice, and sorghum; discussing their advantages (reduced tillage, deeper roots, soil health), current commercial status, and practical challenges such as lower yields, pests, and multi-year management.

The episode also covers breeding and gene-editing targets to improve traits, global research efforts, and the potential for growing perennials in hydroponic systems and niche value markets.

https://eutrema.co.uk/

Norman Borlaug — CIMMYT

Sanjaya Rajaram — CIMMYT

Surinder Vasal — CIMMYT

Ravi Prakash Singh — CIMMYT

Neelamraju G. P. Rao — Indian Agricultural Research Institute / Vasantrao Naik MAU

Gebisa Ejeta — Purdue University

Ronnie Coffman — IRRI / Cornell University

Dilbagh S. Athwal — Punjab Agricultural University / IRRI

William L. Brown — Pioneer Hi-Bred

Richard Boyles — Clemson University

John Holland — USDA Agricultural Research Service

Stephen Jones — Kansas State University

Jeffery Dahlberg — USDA Agricultural Research Service

Kulvinder Gill — University of Saskatchewan

Peter Langridge — University of Adelaide

Matthew Reynolds — CIMMYT

Mark Sorrells — Cornell University

Jorge Dubcovsky — University of California Davis

Peter Snape — NIAB

Brian Quinlan — CSIRO

Susan McCouch — Cornell University

Guoyou Ye — Huazhong Agricultural University

Rod Wing — University of Arizona

Hei Leung — International Rice Research Institute

Edgardo Ibanez — International Rice Research Institute

Rajeev Varshney — University of Queensland

David Mackill — University of California Riverside

Takuji Sasaki — Kyoto University

Qifa Zhang — Huazhong Agricultural University

Yulin Jia — USDA Agricultural Research Service

Acharya H. D. Upadhyaya — ICRISAT

Ashok Kumar — ICRISAT

Sean Mayes — ICRISAT

Ephrem Habyarimana — ICRISAT

Vijay Reddy — ICRISAT

Tim Setter — Kansas State University

David Jordan — Texas A&M University

William Rooney — Texas A&M AgriLife

Mark Burow — Texas A&M University

Amir Ibrahim — Texas A&M University

Jackie Rudd — Texas A&M University

Dirk Hays — Texas A&M University

Jesse Poland — Kansas State University

Kuldeep Singh — CIMMYT

Yiping Tong — CIMMYT

B. S. Gill — University of Missouri

Ian King — University of Adelaide

David Hodson — CIMMYT

Jose Hernandez Prado — CIMMYT

Brian Moore — University of Minnesota

Tom Blake — Montana State University

Kent McCue — USDA Agricultural Research Service

Hamlyn Jones — NIAB

Graham Moore — John Innes Centre

Tianyou Wang — Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences

Lijia Qu — Institute of Crop Sciences, CAAS

Jianfeng Xu — Sichuan Agricultural University

Zonglie Hong — China Agricultural University

Shizhong Xu — China National Rice Research Institute

Jen-Tsung Chen — Taiwan Rice Research Institute

Chih-Hsiung Huang — Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute

Chris Proud — Rice Breeding Australia

Guy McMullen — NSW Department of Primary Industries

Maqbool Ahmad — RAGT Australia

Sam Willsmore — LongReach Plant Breeders

Vicki Kokolakis — Australian Grain Technologies

Jacob Hayes — Australian Grain Technologies

Simon Crane — Seednet

Tara King — Nuseed

Kirk Brehaut — RAGT

Kristy Hobson — NSW Department of Primary Industries

B. R. Barwale — Mahyco

Abdul Shafi Ali — Agricultural Research Center, Egypt

Getinet Gebeyehu — Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research

Bement Gashawbeza — Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center

James Owuoche — Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization

Mohammed Siddig — Sudan Agricultural Research Corporation

Mahdi Ali — Agricultural Research Corporation, Sudan

Ahmed Elwali — Agricultural Research Corporation, Sudan

Ali Zeghida — Technical Institute of Field Crops, Algeria

S. K. Singh — Indian Agricultural Research Institute

R. K. Singh — Indian Council of Agricultural Research

M. S. Swaminathan — M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation

N. K. Singh — Indian Agricultural Research Institute

A. K. Singh — ICRISAT

P. S. Rao — University of Hyderabad

S. L. Sheshshayee — ICRISAT

Bharat B. Chattoo — University of Delhi

Bruce Roe — Clemson University

Yves Vigouroux — CIRAD

Ping Yu — Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences

Mark Tucker — University of Nottingham

June Simpson — CSIRO

Tom Payne — CIMMYT

Brian Steffenson — University of Minnesota

Harold Stalker — USDA Agricultural Research Service

Shyamal Talukder — Texas A&M University

David Stelly — Texas A&M University

Rajaram V. — CIMMYT

Peter Snape — NIAB

Dr. Russell Sharp examines fertiliser products that claim to contain dozens to 90+ chemical elements, using the periodic table to show why many of those claims are impossible, radioactive, or potentially toxic.

He explains that plants only need around a dozen essential nutrients (plus a few beneficials), points out which elements can’t realistically be present, and urges listeners to question manufacturers and check ingredient lists.

https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

Croptec

Cereals Diddly Squat Farm Jeremy Clarkson

In this episode Dr. Russell Sharp explains trehalose 6‑phosphate (T6P) as a plant sucrose‑status signal and its potential to boost wheat yields. He compares products from SugarRox and Unium, discusses trial evidence, ROI claims, and the challenges of bringing a single‑compound biostimulant to market.

https://eutrema.co.uk/category/biostimulants/

Dr. Russell Sharp examines the severe crop losses in Latvia caused by heavy spring and late-season rainfall, flooding and seed washout that destroyed vegetables like onions, carrots, cabbages and potatoes. He explains how these conditions have left farmers facing large economic losses and likely increased imports and prices.

The episode contrasts Latvia’s wet, unstable “climate frontline” with the UK’s recent drought conditions, touches on Estonia’s high organic output, and asks listeners for feedback on which season they prefer.

https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/biostimulants/potassium-silicate-20-litres/

Dr. Russell Sharp revisits previous claims about ICL (formerly Israel Chemicals Limited), clarifying that there is no evidence they manufacture white phosphorus but detailing findings that ICL supplies white phosphorus to the US Army and onward to Israel, who use White Phosphorus against civilian populations.

The episode also examines ICL’s sponsorship ties to an IDF battalion that has been filmed burning greenhouses in Gaza, the high proportion of staff serving in the Israeli military.

https://eutrema.co.uk/

In this engaging episode, Dr. Russell Sharp delves into the intricate world of chelation, uncovering its crucial role in agriculture and hydroponics. Explaining the process of nutrient bonding, Dr. Sharp highlights the common misconceptions and misleading products in the market, particularly focusing on iron and boron management. Listeners will discover the groundbreaking developments from the Utreema lab, revealing a natural and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic chelates, particularly for boron, optimized around pH 6.5. This episode serves as an essential guide for both soil-based farmers and hydroponic enthusiasts, exploring effective ways to improve nutrient uptake while ensuring environmental sustainability. Stay tuned for exciting product trials and advancements in natural chelation techniques that promise to optimize crop health and yield.

https://eutrema.co.uk/shop-crop-care/

Welcome back to Cereal Killers, the podcast dedicated to exploring the challenges faced by arable crops, including pests, diseases, and environmental stresses. In this episode, we delve into the intricate topic of water deficits, debunking the common association with drought and focusing on the scientific perspective. Discover how water deficits affect plant yield and growth and learn about innovative irrigation techniques used to manipulate horticultural crops for optimal results.

Our discussion extends to the broader agricultural landscape, examining soil water deficits in arable and field vegetable crops and their impact on crop resilience. Explore the fascinating contrast between traditional farming methods and regenerative practices, highlighting the potential benefits of incorporating organic matter and using advanced measurement tools like thermal imaging cameras and dielectric sensors.

Join us as we explore practical strategies for mitigating water deficits and maintaining healthy crops, such as stress-resistant bioactives and seaweed extract applications. This episode provides valuable insights for both traditional and hydroponic farmers looking to enhance crop resilience in the face of prolonged dryness and drought-like conditions.

Dr Russell Sharp

https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/organic-fertilisers/seaweed-extract-cold-processed