Crops and soils

Pests, weeds and diseases are a constant threat to the yield and quality of crops produced in Scotland. They decrease the efficiency and profitability of crop production and increase its environmental impact. Endemic and new or emerging threats are a risk to Scottish crop production, and the levels of risk are increased as a result of climate change, adaptations in the pests themselves and as a consequence of pesticide changes / withdrawals. Pest, weed and disease pressure varies seasonally and regionally and the safe and appropriate use of pesticides, integrated with alternative interventions has benefits to business efficiency, food safety and the environment.