Suspect potato lots (Dickeya) to be processed outside Scotland

Minimising risk of Dickeya solani infections in Scotland is a key policy for the Scottish government.

Thirty-one Innovator and Vivaldi potato crops grown from non-Scottish origin seed stocks within Scotland are to be moved and processed south of the border because of the risk from Dickeya solani, Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture says.

The firm involved, Albert Bartlett, will transport the crops ungraded and in bulk, says Gillian Kynoch, the firm's head of development and innovation. "We are not using boxes to transport the crop to avoid risk. We were concerned that if we used boxes we might not be able to keep adequate control of them. Boxes and equipment used to handle the crop in Scotland will be disinfected thoroughly."

Potato crops will not be permitted to be grown in the next two seasons on those fields, and the landowners must control ground keepers, Dr Saddler adds. "If in the second year, ground keepers are seen the control measures will be extended."

Current research suggests Dickeya doesn't persist in the soil much longer than six months without a host, he says.