Potato disease threat on the rise

There is now a sharp divide in the health of potatoes grown in Scotland, with a major survey covering more than 500 crops showing no evidence of the bacterial disease dickeya solani in crops grown from Scottish-origin seed.

But the survey did show up nine cases of dickeya, which has devastated the Dutch potato industry in the past five years, in 26 crops grown from seed from a source outside Scotland.

This more than doubles the previous number of known cases of dickeya which have been found in Scotland. All of them are linked to seed from outwith Scotland.

The nine infected crops are in many of the main potato growing areas of Scotland, with dickeya being found on farms in Carnbee and Scoonie in Fife, Eassie, Panbride and Nevay in Angus, and Kettins, Meigle and St Martins in Perthshire.

Three varieties, Challenger, Innovator and Vivaldi, are involved in the infected samples, all of them originating from Dutch-based potato breeding company, HZPC.

Potato Council chairman Allan Stevenson said: "For growers throughout Great Britain the message is clear. Seed should only be sourced from known safe locations.

"I am delighted that Scottish seed is clear of dickeya and I am also delighted that the measures taken by the Scottish Government are proving to be effective."

Earlier this year, legislation from the Scottish Government took a "zero tolerance" approach to ensure that Scotland's reputation as a source of healthy seed was maintained.

All affected growers have been informed immediately and the necessary notice served on them setting out the action they are required to take. The crops found to be infected are not allowed to be used as seed.

Rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead welcomed the continued disease-free status of Scottish-origin seed, but warned that there could be no let-up in the concerted efforts to ensure Scottish seed potatoes remain free of Dickeya infection.

"Dickeya infection is a serious threat," he said. "The Dutch potato industry has suffered significant financial losses due to this pathogen. I am delighted that this survey shows that Scotland's seed remains free of this disease, and by maintaining this position we will help ensure that our potato seed exporters have an advantage that will be of benefit to them and the wider Scottish economy.

"Scotland produces 80 per cent of the UK's seed potatoes, and our seed production alone is worth 80-100 million."