Control of Potato Cyst Nematodes: Consultation on the Implementation in Scotland of Directive 2007/33/EC

6. Official control programmes

49. The 2007 Directive allows ware potatoes to be grown in fields recorded as infested, provided the field is subject to "an official control programme aiming at least at the suppression of potato cyst nematodes". A suitable programme is likely to include the use of resistant varieties and recognised control measures including nematicides, combined with suitable rotation periods.

50. We are aware that model programmes for PCN control are already offered to ware growers by agricultural advisers and organisations, including the Potato Council. It is not the intention of the Scottish Government to draw up new models. Instead we would hope to endorse existing programmes. Promoters of model programmes would be invited to submit them for scrutiny by SASA to ensure they meet the requirements of the Directive. Information on varieties that meet the requirements for resistance will also be made available. (Annex IV of the 2007 Directive sets out the prescribed method for identifying degrees of resistance to PCN). A grower who wished to plant ware in a field recorded as infested would need to submit a detailed control programme for formal approval by SASA, stating the variety to be grown, the control measures, rotation periods to be used, etc, but could be confident of success if this is based on an endorsed model. It should be noted that few varieties are currently available with significant levels of resistance to G. pallida, therefore control programmes suitable for land infested with this pathotype are likely to rely more on rotational control.

51. Compliance with the approved programme will be able to be monitored by RPID using existing records of potato plantings and chemical use.

Question 10: Do you agree with this approach to approving control programmes for growing ware on infested land? If not, please explain your concerns and any alternative proposals.