The Impact of Pest and Pathogen Collections on Policy, Environment and the Economy
Pests and pathogens cause significant economic losses across all sectors of agriculture. The James Hutton Institute and Moredun Research Institute maintain nationally important reference collections of pests and pathogens with Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture (ENRA) Underpinning National Capacity support and monitor contemporary samples that can inform farmers of disease threats and measures for control.
For example, sampling of insect populations including aphid monitoring determine the species and genetic composition of the aphids caught, the origins of the flying populations, whether they have any insecticide resistance properties and how much of a threat they pose to agricultural production this information supports decision making by growers about insecticide resistance and minimises unnecessary sprays.
Sampling and analysis of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVD) strains, a high contagious, economically significant virus affecting cattle, has facilitated investigation of novel outbreaks in the Scottish herd, including BDV and informed development of BVD eradication policy, with over 90% of Scottish breeding holdings now having BVD-negative status.
Background
Published on: 25 March, 2026