Sectors

Barley
Agriculture
With plentiful rain and long summer day lengths, Scotland produces some of the highest yielding and best quality crops in the world. But conditions that promote good crop growth are often good for pests and pathogens too and in Scotland 15-20% of our crops are lost to pests and diseases annually.
Snail on leaf
Environment
Scotland has a remarkable assemblage of species and habitats with Atlantic, montane, boreal, arctic-alpine, and oceanic habitats in close proximity. However, pests and pathogens represent an increasing threat to these natural assets, and a particular challenge is the sheer complexity of the diversity of the natural environment in terms of the number of species that may be impacted.
trees on river
Forestry
The sector represents a major component of Scotland’s rural economy – providing significant employment and raw materials for wood processing industries. Sustainable forest management seeks to deliver these economic benefits alongside important ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and flood mitigation, provision of wildlife habitat and opportunities for recreation and a range of leisure activities. Pests and diseases threaten the continued long-term delivery of these benefits.
Daffodils
Horticulture
Scotland is renowned for the quality of its private and public horticultural collections, and its rich cultural history of plant collecting, allotments and gardening. Horticultural plantings are of significant economic value, as well as providing amenity, health and well-being, cultural and conservation resources. However, pest and pathogens represent a major threat to this highly diverse set of plantings.

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Emerald Ash Borer - Kent Loeffler © Cornell University

New Plant Health Measures in force from 26th June 2020

Today new strengthened measures to assist the fight against Agrilus planipennis (Emerald ash borer) and Candidatus Phytoplasma Ulmi (Elm yellows) will be introduced into Scotland. This means any imports directly into Scotland, of certain hosts of these pests, will need to meet the criteria set out in The Plant Health (Official Controls and Miscellaneous Provisions) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 – Schedule

Failure to comply with these regulations will mean the stock will either be destroyed or sent back at your expense.
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Example Output from Modelling Framework

Impact of climate change on the spread of pests and diseases in Scotland

This project constructed a modelling framework which combined epidemiological and economic modelling.  The modelling framework was used to study predictions of spread and economic impact of pests which are not currently in the UK, including Xylella fastidiosa, Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (Zebra chip) and Ips typographus (Eight toothed Spruce Bark Beetle). 

Impact:  A web/desktop application is available to the PHC and Scottish Government to analyse the effects of climate change on the spread and economic impact of new threats. 

 

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Our Highlighted Event

Potatoes in Practice drone view
Potatoes in Practice - CANCELLED
13 Aug 2020, 9am - 5pm

Potatoes in Practice is the largest field-based potato event in the UK. The event brings together variety demonstrations, research and trade exhibits in one place making it an essential date in the potato industry calendar.
In the field, you'll find commercial breeders showcasing the latest varieties, agronomists demonstrating what's new in crop protection and researchers discussing their most recent findings, all on hand to share their knowledge and give advice.
Indoors, you'll find a range of exhibitors from agricultural advisors and scientific researchers to processors and technology companies.
There will also be a series of technical seminars open to all attendees complementing the research demonstrations.

CANCELLED for 2020 due to COVID-19

Potatoes in Practice is the largest field-based potato event in the UK. The event brings together variety demonstrations, research and trade exhibits in one place making it an essential date in the potato industry calendar.