Hutton Scientific Services launches commercial potato virus testing for the 2026 United Kingdom seed potato campaign

Hutton Scientific Services (HSS), the commercial arm of The James Hutton Institute, has announced the launch of a new commercial potato virus testing service for the 2026 seed potato campaign, developed in response to the recent withdrawal of commercial testing services by Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA).

The new service has been established to ensure continued access to reliable, high-quality virus testing for the United Kingdom seed potato sector, helping to safeguard market confidence in Scottish-origin seed potatoes and supporting informed management and marketing decisions across the industry. 
 

Supporting the United Kingdom seed potato sector

HSS provides world-class scientific research and technical expertise across agriculture, environmental management and food security. Through innovation, applied science and industry collaboration, it works to address global challenges and deliver practical solutions that support a more sustainable future.

Louise Gamble, Delivery Lead for the new virus testing service at Hutton Scientific Services (HSS):

"With SASA stepping back from commercial testing, the availability of reliable and robust virus testing services is essential to maintain market confidence primarily in Scottish origin seed."

"With the unique combination of glasshouse facilities and relevant expertise in potato plant pathology, HSS has endeavoured to develop a service which meets Scotland’s need for post-harvest virus testing for the two most prevalent viruses, potato leaf roll virus (PLRV) and potato virus Y (PVY)."

"Our aim is to continue to align with industry’s biggest challenges whilst building on the Hutton’s international reputation for quality and excellence in commercial testing."

The introduction of virus testing expands the Hutton’s established portfolio of potato health services, which already includes testing for late blight, potato cyst nematode (PCN) and free-living nematodes (FLN).

Potato-infecting viruses remain a significant threat to crop health, yield and certification standards within the seed potato industry. Aphid-transmitted viruses such as PLRV and PVY can result in substantial economic losses and crop downgrading if not effectively monitored and managed. By adding commercial virus testing to its service offering, HSS aims to strengthen the reputation of Great Britain's high-health seed potato stocks while providing the industry with intelligence at a critical time.
 

New testing service now open for bookings

HSS, in collaboration with the Centre for Agricultural Sustainable Innovation (CASI), has begun accepting bookings for the new service on a first-come, first-served basis, with all samples requiring a pre-booking confirmation.

Customers will have access to both ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) tests and rapid real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing. Screening for both PVY and PLRV will be included as standard, providing growers, seed producers, exporters and agronomists with robust diagnostic information to support crop management and market planning.

Jamie Smith, Business Development Manager at HSS:

"The withdrawal of SASA’s commercial testing service creates a clear gap for the industry at a time when demand for high-quality virus diagnostics remains strong.

Our aim is to provide a seamless and financially competitive transition for customers seeking a trusted virus testing provider, whilst delivering the same excellence, reliability, and independence that underpins Hutton’s existing potato-related commercial services."

Customers interested in pre-booking or discussing their virus testing requirements are encouraged to contact Dr Louise Gamble or technical expert Graham Cowan at VirusTesting@Huttonltd.com.