A new digital tool designed to help Scottish potato growers manage one of the industry’s most persistent pests has been launched by PCN Action Scotland.

The Potato Cyst Nematode decision support system (PCN-SP) allows users to explore the impact of different potato varieties, cover crops and nematicide use on field scenarios.

PCN Action Scotland, a five-year Scottish Government-funded project, brings together partners from The James Hutton Institute, SAC Consulting (SRUC), Scottish Agronomy, SoilEssentials, BIOSS, the Plant Health Centre, and SASA. T

The PCN-SP has been developed using Scottish and UK field data to provide free, up-to-date, and easy-to-use guidance for growers on variety selection, nematicide application and rotation planning.

An estimated 41% of Scottish ware potato land is infected with PCN, which reduces yields and threatens further spread.

While legislation prevents seed potato production on infected land, effective management practices – such as using resistant varieties – are crucial to safeguarding the industry.

Plant nematologist at the Hutton, Dr James Price said: “Key to managing PCN infection is choosing a potato variety with resistance. The PCN-SP allows users to carry out digital trials, viewing the effect of varietal choice on PCN populations and the impact on yield. This model represents the most up to date decision support tool for PCN management allowing growers to see how much their choice in potato variety matters.”

Potato consultant at SAC Consulting, Dr Kerry Leslie added: “Having access to an in-depth tool like PCN-SP allows growers, alongside their agronomists and consultants, to quickly assess the PCN scenario they face in a field and explore ways to improve it in an easy, visual way. This is a major step forward for PCN management in Scotland and the wider UK.”

PCN Action Scotland, now in its final year, was established in response to the growing threat posed by PCN, microscopic soil-borne pests that can drastically reduce potato yields.

Previously, growers relied on the AHDB PCN Calculator, but the new PCN-SP provides a robust, modern alternative tailored to Scottish conditions and contemporary potato varieties.

The tool incorporates field trial data from Barnyards Farm in Angus, grower feedback, and advanced modelling techniques, ensuring that it reflects current science, local conditions, and economic realities.

Following its official launch at the British Potato 2025 seminar on November 19, PCN-SP is now available for growers. PCN Action Scotland will also host a public project completion meeting at the Hutton’s Invergowrie campus on March 18, 2026.

Source - https://www.thescottishfarmer.co.uk