Killer plants

YOUR article (11 July) on the disease threat to the Scots pine highlights an important threat to plant health in general, namely the global trade in live plants.

The problem is that apparently healthy plants can bring with them plant pathogens (disease causing organisms). Is it worth wiping out a major feature of our environment just so that garden chain customers can save a few pounds on their garden plants?

NICK MARTIN

Drongan, Ayr