Pests and diseases in fruit and vegetables
Information on notifiable pests and diseases in fruit and vegetables.
Introduction
Pests and diseases in fruits and vegetables can have a negative economic impact on individual commercial producers and on the entire fruit and vegetable industry.
In addition to indigenous species and strains, there is a threat from the spread of foreign pests and diseases that could impact on the UK fruit and vegetable production industry.
It is important that you can recognise early signs of pests and diseases in your crops in order to deal with the problem and inform your local Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate office if necessary. The Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate (PHSI) is part of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
Defra is responsible for plant heath regulations and works with the Forestry Commission to form the UK Plant Health Service. It also works with other European member states and the European Commission to agree appropriate plant health rules for Europe and co-ordinate their implementation.
Defra Risk Register/Plant Health Portal
Defra’s Risk Register/Plant Health Portal provides information on pests and diseases. It uses biological, scientific and economic evidence to determine action to be taken for prevention.
Contacts
Plant Health and Seed Inspectorate
0300 1000 313
Defra Helpline
03459 33 55 77
Last updated 13 June 2013 + show all updates
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Fixing references to specialist guides
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First published.