Matt Elliot

Matt Elliot is the impact officer for Horticulture and the Natural Environment within the Plant Health Centre. He is a Plant Health and Biosecurity Scientist based at the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh. Matt was previously the Tree Health Policy Officer for the Woodland Trust and worked as a plant pathologist at SASA and Forest Research. His PhD project was based on Phytophthora epidemiology and his experience includes epidemiology of plant pathogens, biosecurity, quantifying the impact of pests and diseases and vulnerability of native habitats to invasion. Matt has brought his expertise to deliver several previous PHC projects.
Projects
The study will begin by mapping stakeholders in the firewood sector, including government bodies, transport authorities, and firewood suppliers. An online survey and interviews with major firewood suppliers will help assess domestic firewood movement and identify gaps in awareness and risk assessment. The project will also explore international best practices in firewood biosecurity through literature reviews and expert consultations, as well as analyse data from firewood import records to quantify the scale of international trade. Additionally, the research will evaluate treatment interventions such as heat treatment and steam sterilization to mitigate biosecurity risks. A component of the project is the creation of resources for and recommendations around a potential future public awareness campaign designed to educate stakeholders on the risks associated with firewood movement, drawing on successful international models.
By providing evidence-based recommendations, this research aims to strengthen firewood biosecurity measures, helping safeguard Scotland’s forests from invasive pests.
Image credit: wood by günter from Pixabay
Through literature review, case studies and stakeholder engagement, this project will create a resource which provides specific, clear biosecurity advice to conservation practitioners so that they can produce a biosecurity management plan before a project begins, that would have the potential to become a component of licenced activities in the natural environment.
Image Credit: Wolfgang Claussen from Pixabay
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.
This project will: (i) Review the evidence (including the scientific and grey literature and existing data) to identify the plant health impacts of the proposed measures within agricultural reform, with reference to Scotland’s key crops and the likely uptake of measures; (ii) Identify potential regulatory options (statutory, basic or enhanced) that could pose an emerging risk for plant health and biosecurity in the context of likely uptake of measures; (iii) Hold a stakeholder workshop to co-design best practices guidance to mitigate plant health risk whilst delivering biodiversity, climate and wider environmental goals and (iv) raise awareness of plant health risks associated with the proposed measures and disseminate best practice guidance to mitigate risk.
Image by Freddy from Pixabay
This scoping exercise will provide clarity on the biosecurity risks posed by bulk aggregates by a) engaging with the sector to understand where materials originate from, b) quantify how much bulk aggregate material is coming into GB, and c) investigate international approaches to managing the plant health risks regarding bulk aggregates.
Image by Pexels from Pixabay
1. Sharing the best practice for waste management with those managing waste in plant nurseries, gardens, parks and other plant handling businesses.
2. Ensuring the best practice guidance is available for those applying to become Plant Healthy certified.
3. Producing a peer-reviewed publication on plant waste management to ensure the broadest reach with plant health experts.
PHC2022/08 will create summary overview documents that cross references the 39 notifiable pests (from the PHRR) with management measures and the requirements of the Plant Health Management Standard. Therefore, plant pest information will be presented in manner to support businesses and organisations conduct a Site and Operations Pest Risk Analysis.
PHC2022/08 is 50% match-funded from Defra
Research on biocontrol agents is required to understand a) what relevant previous work has taken place, b) the potential benefits for agricultural, horticultural and forestry applications in Scotland, and c) is the current risk assessment framework and regulatory system fit for purpose?
This project will improve our understanding of the potential of biocontrol agents in Scottish production systems and gardens; synthesising findings from workshops with stakeholders and literature review.
• Expert visitation of sites to seek evidence of problems with alder health, gain some understanding as to possible causes, and identify key dimensions of a thorough study should this prove warranted. Lab work to confirm field diagnoses.
• Preliminary citizen science request inviting site-specific records of concern over alder health (potentially via the trained Observatree volunteer network to gather data), with analysis to identify any geographic clustering.
• Produce recommendations for further work including; refined survey methodologies for widespread application by interested organisations; identification of potential candidate sites for detailed study over time, and; a discussion document on risks to existing alder of expansion of riparian woodland.
Pagination
Publications
The impact of peat-free growing media and the emergence of sciarid flies (Sciaridae) as a pest or just a nuisance in Scotland
This study investigated the potential link between peat-free growing media and the emergence of sciarid flies (fungus gnats) as pests in Scotland.
The impact of agricultural policy reforms on plant health risks in Scotland: Guidance on maximizing plant health benefits
The project examines the potential impact Scotland’s upcoming agricultural reforms could have on plant health
Investigation into the causes of Alder (Alnus glutinosa) mortality in Scotland
The project investigated whether alders in Scotland have experienced a recent decline in health and identified factors affecting their condition. It also aimed to improve monitoring methods and address key issues for future management and regeneration of riparian alders.
Plant Biosecurity Resources – increasing the accessibility of notifiable plant pest information for Professional Operators
This project developed 39 pest-specific datasheets and a prototype webtool for Professional Operators to provide tailored pest information to use when issuing plant passports and support risk assessments for site operations.
Integration of Plant Health Planning Into the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy
The impacts of introduced plant pests and diseases have been substantial in recent times. With a changing climate and many known pests on the horizon, plant health impacts on biodiversity are expected to grow further in the years ahead. Thus, considering the nature of plant health threats to the natural environment and embedding mitigating actions into biodiversity strategies is of increasing importance.
Potential of biocontrol for the sustainable management of plant diseases in Scotland: opportunities and barriers
Previous PHC projects identified biocontrol as a major element of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) with a role to play in mitigating pesticide withdrawals. However, it is currently unclear how practical biocontrol is as a suitable alternative to pesticides in Scotland, what the opportunities are for deployment across different sectors and what barriers exist to uptake (including regulatory).
Biosecurity practices to support plant health: a review of knowledge and practice
This research investigated plant biosecurity risks from site visitors, tools & equipment, and large machinery. In addition to reviewing published guidance, UK businesses and organisations were engaged via questionnaires and interviews to explore how these aspects of biosecurity are understood and what procedures may be in place to address them.
Identifying the plant health risks associated with plant waste disposal and peat-free growing media and developing best practice guidance for waste disposal and composting across sectors
This research focussed on two areas of biosecurity that provide significant risk to plant businesses and the wider environment in Scotland, i) plant waste management, and ii) the constituents of reduced-peat and peat-free growing media.
A review of gene editing for the benefit of plant health
This report is the output of a call-down project that assesses the type of plant health problems in Scotland that GE could address, with potential benefits, barriers to deployment and dis-benefits noted.