A NEW commercial potato virus testing service has been launched to ensure growers and seed producers continue to have access to vital crop health checks following the withdrawal of testing services previously provided by a Scottish Government agency.
Hutton Scientific Services (HSS), the commercial arm of the James Hutton Institute, has established the service ahead of the 2026 seed potato campaign in response to Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) stepping back from commercial testing.
The new service will focus on two of the most prevalent viruses affecting potato crops potato leaf roll virus (PLRV) and potato virus Y (PVY).
Both viruses are transmitted by aphids and can cause significant damage to crops, reducing yields and potentially resulting in seed potatoes being downgraded.
HSS says maintaining access to reliable testing is particularly important for Scotland’s seed potato industry, helping protect the reputation of Scottish-grown seed and allowing growers, exporters and agronomists to make informed decisions about crop management and marketing.
Dr Louise Gamble, delivery lead for the new service, said: “With SASA stepping back from commercial testing, the availability of reliable and robust virus testing services is essential to maintain market confidence primarily in Scottish origin seed.
“With the unique combination of glasshouse facilities and relevant expertise in potato plant pathology, HSS has endeavoured to develop a service which meets Scotland’s need for post-harvest virus testing for the two most prevalent viruses, potato leaf roll virus and potato virus Y.
“Our aim is to continue to align with industry’s biggest challenges whilst building on the Hutton’s international reputation for quality and excellence in commercial testing.”
The introduction of the service expands the James Hutton Institute’s existing range of potato health testing, which already covers late blight, potato cyst nematodes and free-living nematodes.
HSS says effective monitoring of potato viruses is essential to maintaining crop health and certification standards, with outbreaks capable of causing financial losses for growers and damaging market confidence.
The new service will offer customers both enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) testing and rapid real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.
Screening for both PVY and PLRV will be included as standard, providing diagnostic information for growers, seed producers, exporters and agronomists.
Jamie Smith, business development manager at HSS, said: “The withdrawal of SASA’s commercial testing service creates a clear gap for the industry at a time when demand for high-quality virus diagnostics remains strong.
“Our aim is to provide a seamless and financially competitive transition for customers seeking a trusted virus testing provider, whilst delivering the same excellence, reliability and independence that underpins Hutton’s existing potato-related commercial services.”
HSS is working with the Centre for Agricultural Sustainable Innovation to deliver the service and has begun accepting bookings on a first-come, first-served basis.
All samples must be booked in advance before being submitted for testing.
