Act now to save spud seed industry from 'PCN creep'

摘要

The area of potato cyst nematode (PCN)-free land for seed potato production in Scotland is shrinking and growers must act now to ensure the trend is reversed, experts warn.About 80% of certified seed planted in Great Britain comes from Scottish farms, with its cooler climate providing kinder conditions to keep crops virus and disease free.In 2013,1 l.OOOha of the 28,000hi of potatoes grown in Scodand were for classified seed and the industry is estimated to be worth about E175m to the country's economy, E35m of which is from exports.