News in brief: UK issues a public alert about the possible invasion of the Colorado Potato Beetle, a destructive pest known for damaging potato crops. The Animal and Plant Health Agency has confirmed infestations in two areas and urges farmers to report sightings to relevant authorities.
Authorities in the United Kingdom have issued a public alert over the possible invasion of the Colorado Potato Beetle, a destructive pest known for inflicting severe destruction on potato crops.
UK’s Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has already confirmed infestation in two areas. It verified findings of a beetle larva in a field in Kent and a single adult beetle in a garden in Hampshire. Other farmers have been urged to report sightings of the pest to relevant authorities.
Scientists confirmed the first ever outbreak of this pest in the UK, in 1977. Colorado beetles pose a major threat to crops and they ravage them by stripping their leaves. They can greatly reduce yield by killing plants when they left uncontrolled and allowed free reign. In addition to potato, they can be a serious pest of tomato, eggplant, and pepper.
Meanwhile, crops may lose about 15% of their leaves without it affecting their yield if farmers check infestation. Authorities maintain that the insect do not pose a direct threat to human health. They are however urging growers, farmers, processors, and the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings.
Colorado potato beetles are recognisable by their unique markings; bright yellow or orange with black stripes. They are usually between 8.5 mm-11.5mm in length, and 3mm in width.
Potato is an important part of the UK’s diet at an average of 3585 grams per person per week, it the region’s most popular vegetable and considered a staple low-cost food. Already, there are fears over the increased cost potatoes because of rising energy, labour and ingredient costs. A pest invasion could worsen the situation if it makes the vegetable more scarce.
