parasitic roundworm that feeds and reproduces on potato roots. The amount of land used for seed potatoes in Scotland infested by PCN is doubling every seven years, so tackling it is urgent. Our team has succeeded in creating a new pipeline of potato varieties better able to withstand the evolving threat of PCN, and capable of meeting exacting standards of growers, buyers and consumers in terms of yield and taste. It has also played a critical role in alerting farmers worldwide to the emergence of new and aggressive strains of what’s called ‘late blight’ – the especially virulent potato disease, that led to the Irish Potato Famine more than two centuries ago. It’s caused by a fast-spreading type of water mould known as the “plant destroyer” (Phytophthora) which can infect both potatoes and tomatoes, swiftly killing plants. It is the single most serious threat to potato production, resulting in estimated annual global industry costs of up to £8 billion from a combination of loss of crops and treating the disease with fungicides and other measures. We have also demonstrated heat, drought and disease resilient potato lines that meet market needs and are adapted to growing in the warmer climates in Sub-Saharan Africa which could lift more millions of people out of food insecurity. So next time you hold a potato in your hand, think of the power it provides to people. With the modern tools and the vast variation in types of potato held at the James Hutton Institute, we have the means to improve the resilience and sustainability of our future potato crops. The findings of a ground-breaking farm trial investigating potato varieties resistant to crop-destroying potato cyst nematodes (PCN) were revealed last week at the Hutton in Invergowrie. The PCN Action Scotland Winter Conference welcomed delegates from the Scottish farming community and shared updates from a 2022 trial to tackle the threat of the major potato pests. Thanks to scientists from Hutton, SoilEssentials, Scottish Agronomy, SRUC and SASA working collaboratively on this Scottish Government-funded project, new varieties of potato have been shown to be both highly resistant to PCN, and suitable for growth in Scotland’s climate. Dr. Philip Burgess, Scottishpotatoes.org (a Hutton and SRUC partnership) lead, said, “Although we are already aware of potato varieties that do not allow PCN to multiply as they are resistant to infection, they can still cause significant yield losses as despite the resistance, the root systems can still be eaten away by the pests. Therefore, farmers are experiencing reduced yields or are reliant on a PCN pesticide (nematicides) which may not be available in the future. “What we need are potato varieties with both resistance and high levels of tolerance to the pest, and this is what we found in the field trial.” During the trial, some potato varieties were discovered to not only stop the multiplication of PCN, but also grow well under high pest pressure, leading to a more sustainable rotation. As well as this vital finding, the varieties are suitable for production in Scotland’s climate and are consumer friendly. Dr Burgess added, “It is really pleasing to note that some of these varieties are now being stocked by major retailers and we hope others will follow suit soon. “Our goal is to deliver potato crops with resistance and tolerance to PCN, to ensure a sustainable seed potato sector in Scotland and thereby deliver food security without damaging nature or forcing more climate change.” More information about the findings of the farm trial can be found at pcnhub.ac.uk Scientists discover potato varieties resistant to pests June 2023 11 Dr. Philip Burgess
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