Potato Ring Rot: Statutory Notification Requirements for introduction of non-Scottish potatoes into Scotland
Scotland enjoys an excellent plant health reputation and neither potato ring rot nor potato brown rot has been found in Scottish potatoes. The maintenance of this record is vitally important to the Scottish potato industry. To combat the risk of these potential lethal diseases establishing in Scotland, there is now a statutory requirement to notify the Scottish Government of all non-Scottish seed potatoes being introduced into Scotland, including those from other parts of the UK, and any ware potatoes originating in Poland.
There are currently very few direct imports of seed potatoes into Scotland. However the impact of a potato ring rot or potato brown rot finding in Scotland would be very damaging, having a detrimental affect on the reputation of Scottish potatoes, and could result in a significant loss in export trade.
If you are planning to bring in non-Scottish seed potatoes, or Polish ware potatoes, to Scotland you should contact your local Area Office, or email: php@scotland.gsi.gov.uk at least 48 hours prior to arrival and provide the following details:
· the proposed time, date and means of arrival of the potatoes;
· the proposed point of entry;
· the proposed destination;
· the variety;
· the quantity of potatoes; and
· the producers identification number or reference number of lot
SASA will carry out a risk assessment and, if necessary, make arrangements with the local Area Office for samples of the material to be taken and tested for both potato brown rot and potato ring rot before planting. There is no charge for this service.