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

8. Other host plants and bulbs

54. In addition to potatoes, the 2007 Directive places requirements on other plants which are either hosts of PCN or are likely to be grown in rotation with potatoes and have the potential to spread the pest. These are listed in Annex 1 of the Directive in the categories set out below.

1. Host plants

Capsicum spp.
Lycopersicon lycopersicum (L.) Karsten ex Farw.
Solanum melongena (L.)

2a. Other plants with roots

Allium porrum L.
Beta vulgaris L.
Brassica spp.
Fragaria L.
Asparagus officinalis L.

2b. Bulbs, tubers and rhizomes

Allium ascalonicum L.
Allium cepa L.
Dahlia spp.
Gladiolus Tourn. Ex L.
Hyacinthus spp.
Iris spp.
Lilium spp.
Narcissus L.
Tulipa L.

55. The provisions applying to these plants are summarised in this section, but they are expected to have little impact in Scotland. They apply only to plants grown in soil, and mainly to plants, bulbs etc intended for transplanting with roots or soil attached. Very few crops in Scotland meet these criteria.

56. Host plants (point 1 of Annex 1) intended for planting are subject to similar restrictions as for seed potatoes. They may only be grown in soil which has been found clear of PCN through a pre-planting soil test, unless they are to be used on the same place of production. In order for any field to qualify for the lower sampling rate, documentary evidence must show that no potatoes or other host plants have been grown in the field for the required period. Plants which have been grown in a field officially recorded as infested will be designated as contaminated and must not be replanted. There are no restrictions on planting host plants other than potatoes in infested land if they are not intended for replanting, nor on disposing of waste from contaminated plants.

57. Restrictions on other plants (point 2 of Annex 1) only apply if they are intended for replanting by professional plant or cut flower producers (not for final retail sale). Plants, bulbs etc are also exempt from the restrictions if they are disinfested by appropriate measures, or washed or brushed until practically free of soil, so that there is no identifiable risk of them spreading PCN. If these measures are not taken, plants for replanting listed in point 2 must be grown in soil which has either passed a pre-planting soil test, or where it can be shown that no PCN has been found in the field, or no potatoes or other host plants have been grown in the field, for 12 years.

Voluntary narcissus certification scheme

58. The Scottish Government operates a voluntary certification scheme for narcissus bulbs, which allows growers to demonstrate that their produce is free from serious pests and diseases and true to type. The scheme includes a pre-planting soil test for PCN. This is not a statutory requirement at present, nor will it be required under the 2007 Directive, since the bulbs are marketed practically free of soil. Soil may also be tested prior to lifting, to meet export requirements. We intend to discuss separately with the users of the certification scheme whether any changes should be made in light of the new sampling rates prescribed for seed potato land.

Crops not grown in soil

59. The Directive does not apply to the production of pre-basic tissue culture potatoes (minitubers) or any other plants not grown in soil. We intend to continue testing peat growing medium for PCN, as this is required for exports to a number of countries.