I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice
Scottish researchers have developed a new approach to protect potato crops from diseases which cost the industry around £50 million a year.
Blackleg and soft rot, caused mainly by bacteria, are thought to cause the destruction of billions of pounds worth of crops worldwide each year.
The diseases, which spread through infected seed tubers, can ruin potato crops and cost growers up to £100,000 per outbreak.
A research group led by Joel Milner from the University of Glasgow has spent more than 15 years searching for bacteriocins – naturally occurring protein antibiotics.
Supported by the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC), this has now led to the formation of a spin-out company called Casdu Crop Solutions.
The researchers believe bacteriocins can be used to target the harmful bacteria.
Early glasshouse trials have found the treatment they developed can suppress infection in seed tubers.
Scotland is one of Europe’s leading producers of seed potatoes and growers operate under strict rules to prevent infections.
Dr Milner, one of the founders of Casdu Crop Solutions, said: “What we’re working on is a novel antimicrobial solution to one of the most devastating diseases affecting potatoes.
“It’s likely to be affordable, easy to apply, and environmentally friendly.
“This isn’t about a silver-bullet cure. It’s about delivering a genuine improvement in the sustainability of an industry that matters hugely to Scotland, the wider UK, and indeed all countries where potatoes are grown.”
Liz Fletcher, director of impact and deputy chief executive at IBioIC, said: “Blackleg and soft rot cost growers dearly every year, so backing Joel’s early work was an easy decision.
“What’s exciting here isn’t just the science, it’s that the team has a genuine route to market, with a treatment that could meaningfully cut reliance on the environmentally damaging methods growers have had to rely on until now.
“We’re looking forward to supporting them as they move towards a spin-out and closer to getting this into growers’ hands.”
