AHDB Fellowship to safeguard critical potato nematology expertise in the United Kingdom

Dr Jon Pickup, Head of Virology & Zoology at Science & Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) will lead on one of three AHDB Potatoes Fellowship Awards, specifically seeking to secure critical potato nematology expertise for the future.

The three year project, worth a total of £220,000 with 50 per cent of the funds contributed by SASA itself, will ensure continuity of scientific skills for the industry for this major endemic pest.

Alongside bolstering future knowledge, the work will include a critical review of the current nematode management practices deployed across Britain to produce a strategy for their future management. This will support growers in meeting their requirements imposed through the European Union Control Directive on Potato Cyst Nematodes (PCN), 2007/33/EC.

Appointed Fellow, Dr Kim Davie, will take up the mantle, building on her background knowledge of nematology, the seed potato regulatory system and her doctorate study on damaging potato viruses.

Dr Jon Pickup, Head of Virology & Zoology at Science & Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) and Mentor:

“With very few nematologists now working in the UK, this Fellowship will provide an opportunity for a new applied scientist to gain the experience required to play a pivotal role in the future of potato nematology”

“I’m proud to have this opportunity to work closely with Dr Davie over the course of the project to impart my years of knowledge and expertise and foster ‘new blood’ in this key area of research.”

Dr Mike Storey, AHDB Potatoes Head of Research, :

“The aim of these Fellowship Awards is to help retain key technical capacity within the industry. This Study in particular will enable a quality new entrant to equip themselves with the research skills to continue to meet the challenges presented by PCN, arguably the biggest long term issue for the potato industry.”