A major potato pest has been eradicated from the UK, says the government, following a two-year investigation and ongoing surveillance work.
It follows the discovery of Colorado beetle on a Kent farm in 2023. The beetle can completely strip the leaves from potato plants – devastating the crop if left uncontrolled.
No further beetles have been found in the space of two years, said a Defra end-of-year update. This means eradication status has been reached – in a boost for growers, it added.
Distinctive
Colorado beetles are orange-yellow in colour with 10 characteristic black stripes on their body. As well as potatoes, they can affect tomatoes, peppers and other salad crops.
The co-operation and vigilance of farmers, agronomists and plant scientists played a key part in the eradication campaign – along with biosecurity measures from the Animal and Plant Health Agency and Defra.
Defra farm minister Angela Eagle said: “This is great news for British farmers. We will continue to work with partners and stakeholders to maintain UK biosecurity and protect British crops from future threats.”
Surveillance activities included regular inspections of original outbreak fields and selected potato fields in Kent to rule out incursions resulting from blow over from mainland Europe.
Significant threat
Thanking farmers for helping combat the pest, Defra chief plant health officer Nicola Spence said: “Colorado beetle can pose a significant threat to plants and the wider potato industry.
“This has been a huge team effort and is good news for the potato industry, but to prevent further outbreaks, it is vital the public continue remain vigilant and report suspected sightings to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
It is not the first time Colorado beetle has been confirmed in the UK. Periodic outbreaks of the pest between 1901 and the 1970s also saw it swiftly eradicated due to inspections and public vigilance.
Animal and Plant Health Agency chief executive Richard Lewis said: “This is a significant achievement for APHA operational teams, working with Defra, the potato industry, farmers, home gardeners and allotment holders.”
Suspected Colorado beetles should be captured in a secure container and reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency by calling 0300 1000 313 or emailing planthealth.info@apha.gov.uk