Potato Leafroll Virus (PLRV) can significantly affect the yield and quality of seed and ware potatoes. PLRV levels remained very low across GB for many years, but recent seasons have seen a resurgence both domestically and across other major European potato-producing countries. The causes of this change are not yet fully understood, and the information that does exist is scattered across scientific studies and day-to-day industry experience, making it hard to view the full picture. This project will gather expert opinions from the potato industry alongside existing scientific and technical knowledge on PLRV. These will be synthesised to produce a comprehensive review of the factors that influence PLRV risk in GB. This information will support industry decision-making by improving understanding of how PLRV risk is shaped under current and emerging production conditions.

Image Credit: PLRV - Eugene E. Nelson, Bugwood.org

Wireworm infestations in multiple high value/hectarage Scottish crops are being reported in increasing numbers, however there is little information on the species involved, or their numbers, locations or damage levels in Scotland. This lack of local data on species presence across Scotland makes it difficult to develop control strategies or issue advice for Scottish growers, with a risk of yield loss and/or potentially inappropriate pesticide usage as a result.

The outputs of this project will help to obtain an up-to-date data set on which wireworm species are present in Scotland, along with information on locations and risk factors. This will establish the foundation for on-going species monitoring in future. The project will lead to updated advice and guidelines on integrated pest management, with clear links to monitoring information. Knowledge exchange arising from the project will target Scottish growers and agronomists about the updated risk factors for wireworm, how and when to effectively set up traps themselves and myth bust outdated information. This will give the project findings longevity as growers and agronomists will be guided to the best monitoring methods for them to use themselves, rather than being dependent on centralised monitoring information.


Image Credit: David Cappaert, Bugwood.org (CC) BY-NC 3.0