Albert Bartlett, the UK’s leading supplier of fresh, frozen, and chilled potatoes, is strengthening its partnership with Fera Science Ltd (Fera) to further control aphid numbers and combat viral infection levels in seed potato crops across Scotland. Building on the success of previous years, the 2024 season saw 418 weekly samples identified from 47 Scottish trap sites, providing vital data on aphid species contributing to virus pressure at both local and regional levels.

Aphids remain a significant threat to potato crops, causing stunting, yield reduction, and diminished tuber quality. Common viruses transmitted by aphids, such as Potato Leafroll Virus (PLRV) and Potato Virus Y (PVY), can result in yield losses of up to 50% in ware crops. The challenge has intensified in recent years due to milder winters, leading to earlier aphid flights, and a reduction in the number of approved and effective insecticides available for use in seed crops.

For the 2025 seed potato growing season, approximately forty-five growers will participate in the Albert Bartlett-funded monitoring process, each returning up to ten weeks of samples per trap site for analysis throughout the season. Fera will continue to identify, count, and report aphid types weekly, along with assessing the virus transmission risk. This systematic approach empowers growers to make informed decisions about insecticide use, targeting interventions where they are most needed.

Will Jackson of Albert Bartlett commented, “Understanding the individual aphid species present is fundamental to determining the risk of virus transmission, allowing seed growers to target the use of the limited number of insecticides available.”

Lisa Blackburn, Invertebrate Ecologist at Fera, added: “We are extremely pleased to again be working with Albert Bartlett. Regular testing for aphids in potato crops is a critical component of integrated pest management, helping to mitigate the spread of harmful plant viruses. Aphids act as vectors for these viruses, which can significantly reduce crop yield and quality. Early detection through systematic monitoring allows for targeted and timely control measures. By implementing science-driven testing protocols, growers can improve disease prevention, enhance crop resilience, and ensure sustainable potato production.”

Growers can access their aphid results, and those of others in the scheme, via weekly updates on the scheme’s website. Fera also provides a variety of text and email alerts for participating growers.

“Continuing to invest in the aphid monitoring scheme in 2025 will help safeguard the health status of the potato seed supplied to ware growers across the UK in 2026,” added Mr Jackson.