Scottish Researchers Develop New Bacteriocin-Based Approach to Protect Potato Crops

Scottish researchers have developed a novel approach to protecting potato crops from blackleg and soft rot, bacterial diseases that are estimated to cost the potato industry around £50 million (USD67.74 million) a year in Scotland and can cause billions of pounds in crop losses worldwide. 

The research, led by Dr Joel Milner of the University of Glasgow, focuses on the use of bacteriocins — naturally occurring protein antibiotics that can target harmful bacteria. After more than 15 years of research, the team has identified bacteriocins with potential for use against the bacteria responsible for damaging potato crops. 

The work has been supported by the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) and has now resulted in the formation of Casdu Crop Solutions, a spin-out company established to develop and commercialise the technology.

Targeting Bacteria Behind Blackleg and Soft Rot

Blackleg and soft rot are among the important bacterial diseases affecting potato production. The pathogens can spread through infected seed tubers, potentially causing severe crop losses and, in some cases, destroying entire potato crops. 

Individual outbreaks can cost growers as much as £100,000, adding significant financial risk to potato production. The wider economic impact is considerable, with the diseases thought to contribute to billions of pounds in crop losses globally each year. 

The Casdu approach is designed to use bacteriocins to specifically target the harmful bacteria associated with these diseases. Early glasshouse trials have shown that the treatment developed by the research team can suppress infection in seed tubers, providing an initial indication of its potential as a crop-protection technology.

Climate Change Increases Disease Pressure

The researchers believe the need for new approaches to bacterial disease management is becoming increasingly urgent as climate conditions change.

Wetter summers can create conditions that favour the spread of bacterial infections, potentially increasing disease pressure on potato crops. Developing effective, practical and environmentally responsible treatments could therefore become increasingly important for growers.

Scotland has a particularly strong interest in protecting potato health because it is one of Europe's leading producers of seed potatoes. Scottish seed potato production operates under strict regulations designed to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases.

Casdu Crop Solutions Moves Research Towards Commercialisation

The formation of Casdu Crop Solutions marks a move from laboratory research towards commercial development. The company aims to advance the bacteriocin-based treatment and ultimately bring a practical solution to potato growers. 

Dr Joel Milner, one of the founders of Casdu Crop Solutions, said the technology is being developed as a novel antimicrobial solution for one of the potato industry's most damaging diseases.

Dr Joel Milner, one of the founders of Casdu Crop Solutions:

"What we’re working on is a novel antimicrobial solution to one of the most devastating diseases affecting potatoes."

He added that the treatment is expected to be affordable, easy to apply and environmentally friendly, while emphasising that it is intended to provide a meaningful improvement rather than a single, universal cure.

Dr Joel Milner:

"This isn’t about a silver-bullet cure. It’s about delivering a genuine improvement in the sustainability of an industry that matters hugely to Scotland, the wider UK, and indeed all countries where potatoes are grown."

IBioIC Supports Route From Research to Market

Liz Fletcher, Director of Impact and Deputy Chief Executive at IBioIC, said the potential economic impact of blackleg and soft rot made the research an important area for support.

Liz Fletcher, Director of Impact and Deputy Chief Executive at IBioIC:

"Blackleg and soft rot cost growers dearly every year, so backing Joel’s early work was an easy decision."

Fletcher said the significance of the project extends beyond the underlying science, highlighting the team's plans to take the technology towards the market.

Liz Fletcher:

"What’s exciting here isn’t just the science, it’s that the team has a genuine route to market, with a treatment that could meaningfully cut reliance on the environmentally damaging methods growers have had to rely on until now."

IBioIC said it looks forward to continuing to support the team as Casdu Crop Solutions develops the technology and moves closer to making the treatment available to growers.

A Potential New Tool for Sustainable Potato Production

The development of a bacteriocin-based treatment could provide potato growers with an additional tool for managing bacterial diseases while potentially reducing dependence on existing methods considered environmentally damaging.

The technology remains in the development and validation stage, with the positive glasshouse results providing an early indication of its potential. Further research and development will be required before the treatment can be widely deployed commercially. 

If successful, Casdu Crop Solutions' approach could offer a targeted method for suppressing the bacteria responsible for blackleg and soft rot and contribute to more resilient and sustainable potato production in Scotland, the UK and other potato-growing regions worldwide.