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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Call for ProjectsFurther Info / Submit Project

A CALL FOR PROJECTS IS NOW OPEN

 

There are currently three calls for projects 

 

- (PHC2019_04) Assessment of large-scale plant biosecurity risks to Scotland: Non-specialist and online horticultural sales

- (PHC2019_05) Assessment of large-scale plant biosecurity risks to Scotland: Large scale plantings for landscaping and infra-structure projects

- (PHC2019_06) Assessment of large-scale plant biosecurity risks to Scotland: Large scale tree plantings for environmental benefits

 

Indicative cost is £40,000 per project.

Deadline for submission of application: 12:00 on Thursday 19th December 2019

Further Info / Submit Project

Latest NewsView All News

Emerald ash borer. Credit David Cappaert, Bugwood.org

Emerald Ash Borer found in Ukraine

In October 2019, the presence of Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) was identified on Ukraine territory. During the survey, 50 ash trees were found to be infested. On 2019-09-16, phytosanitary measures were implemented and all ash trees were destroyed within a radius of 100 m around each infested tree. On 2019-10-11, all infested and surrounding ash trees were felled. The pest has not been detected in any other parts of Ukraine. 

The pest status of Agrilus planipennis in Ukraine is officially declared as: Transient, actionable, under eradication.
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Our Highlighted Event

Frea site Sand Hutton York
UK Plant Health Conference
27 Jan 2020 9am - 28 Jan 2020 5pm

Sand Hutton, York 

Defra are hosting a UK Plant Health Conference at Sand Hutton, York on 27 & 28 January 2020. More information to follow.
Image courtesy of Fera.co.uk