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Scottish-origin potatoes are Dickeya-free
07/09/2010
A detailed survey for the presence of a highly damaging potato disease that is having a major impact in parts of Europe has shown that Scotland's world-renowned seed potatoes remain free from Dickeya infection.
Recent legislation established a 'zero tolerance' approach in Scotland for Dickeya infections in potato crops, and a major survey has been carried out this year by the Scottish Government's Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate to support stringent control measures.
The survey targeted more than 550 potato crops over the summer, including all high-risk seed and ware crops produced from non-Scottish origin seed.
Samples from Scottish-origin seed and ware crops were all found to be negative. However, when testing 26 non-Scottish origin crops, effectively 100 per cent of the high risk crops grown in Scotland, nine crops tested positive for the presence of Dickeya.
All affected growers were informed immediately and the necessary notice served on them setting out the action they were required to take. The 'zero tolerance' approach means that crops found to be infected with Dickeya are not allowed to be used as seed, and conditions are imposed to prevent contamination of other crops.
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead welcomed the continued disease-free status of Scottish-origin seed, but warned that there could be no let up in the concerted efforts to ensure Scottish seed potatoes remain free of Dickeya infection.
He said: "The Scottish Government, working closely with our potato industry, has introduced robust measures to ensure that this damaging disease does not get into our very important domestic seed potato supply.
"This 'zero tolerance' approach - now under-pinned by tough legislation - is vital to help protect our export trade and our hard won reputation for producing high quality potato seed.
"Thanks to years of hard work in keeping Scottish-origin seed free from serious quarantine diseases like potato brown rot, ring rot and Colorado beetle, Scottish seed potatoes are exported to more than 30 countries worldwide and have an enviable reputation for their high health status.
" Dickeya infection is a serious threat. The Dutch potato industry has suffered significant financial losses due to this pathogen. I am delighted that this survey shows that Scotland's seed remains free of this disease, and by maintaining this position we will help ensure that our potato seed exporters have an advantage that will be of benefit to them and the wider Scottish economy.
"Scotland produces 80 per cent of the UK's seed potatoes, and our seed production alone is worth £80-£100 million. This, in turn, helps underpin UK potato production with an estimated retail value of £4 billion annually.
"The importance of doing all we can to protect the Scottish seed potato industry can never be understated, particularly given the plant health risk from imported non-Scottish seed. The Scottish Government supports the Potato Council's Safe-Haven scheme, which requires growers to use only seed derived from disease-free material from SASA, contained within the Safe Haven certified supply chain. The requirements are in tune with statutory plant health controls and good practice guidance and I would encourage Scottish growers to consider joining."