The introduction and uptake of alternative crops in Scottish agricultural systems may bring opportunities to meet net-zero or biodiversity targets as well as enabling the diversification of rotations, improved soil health or access to alternative markets. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the potential plant health benefits/opportunities or, conversely, risks to plant health arising from the cultivation and exploitation of new and emerging novel crops in Scottish agriculture. Extended rotations may reduce plant health risks to other crops in the rotation, however risks could include the accidental importation of plant pests and pathogens, or very limited control options for known pest and pathogen problems associated with the crop in question.

A systematic framework for how to conduct risk/benefit analyses on emerging novel crops in Scotland would allow plant health risks and benefits to be considered before widespread uptake, and any mitigation strategies implemented at the earliest stage. Current and predicted examples of emerging crops in Scotland include hemp, rye, beet, flax, cover crops and novel legume and vegetable crops. Many of these examples are currently relatively low-input crops when it comes to the use of plant protection products but there may be parallels and lessons to be learnt from considering the uptake of crops, like oilseed rape or rye which are now well established in Scotland, but where pest and disease burdens have increased steadily from the point of introduction.

This project will create a systematic framework for the evaluation of plant health risks and benefits for emerging / novel crops in Scottish agriculture and will be suitable for use when considering the introduction of species in the natural environment, horticulture and forestry sectors.



Image Credit: HubertPhotographer from Pixabay

Moving to peat-free growing media is essential to allow peat bogs to recover from past exploitation. Peat has been a mainstay of horticulture for many decades and the move away from it will lead to other plant-based products being incorporated into growing media in the future. This may provide the conditions for the proliferation of pests such as sciarid flies, which often occur in decaying plant matter. There are approximately 600 species of sciarid fly in Europe and a total of c.1700 described species globally but the lifecycles of most of these species are currently unknown. In addition, there is conflicting evidence on whether sciarid fly cause physical damage to plants or whether they are just a nuisance. Understanding the extent of damage is very important. By conducting interviews with key stakeholders in the horticulture industry, this project will provide a better understanding of:

1. The specific conditions and contexts where sciarid flies could be a problem in Scotland;
2. Whether sciarid fly infestations are more prevalent in peat-free growing media;
3. The species present and their lifecycles;
4. Management options for sciarid fly.