Developing an assessment framework to identify plant health benefits and risks for emerging novel crops in Scotland

Project Lead: Arthy Surendran
Host Institution: SRUC
Project Date: 15 November 2024 to 29 May 2025
Reference Number:
PHC2024/03
Hemp plantation Image by HubertPhotographer from Pixabay
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
Position:
Institution: SRUC
Position:
Institution: Scotland’s Rural College
Position:
Impact Officer: Agriculture
Institution: Scotland’s Rural College