Dickeya solani forces destruction of Northern Ireland potato crop

A seed potato crop in Northern Ireland grown using seed imported from The Netherlands has been destroyed after aggressive black leg variant Dickeya solani was detected.

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland demanded that the crop, growing in a key seed producing area of County Down, was destroyed.

Northern Ireland agriculture minister Michelle O'Neill said: "Following a meeting with the importer and growers, we have ordered the immediate destruction of the infected crop and subsequent restrictions on the use of the land for potato production. I wish to re-assure the local industry that actions are being taken to ensure that this outbreak can be fully contained."

Jim Crummie, chief potato inspector for Northern Ireland said the grower failed to have the crop tested by the department prior to planting.