The Aphid Monitoring Programme was introduced into the Seed Potato Classification Scheme in 1992. This aim of the programme is to identify seed stocks on which aphids have been poorly controlled. Before such stocks can be accepted for classification, a representative sample of tubers is subject to a post-harvest tuber test for the presence of viruses. Only if this test result is satisfactory will the stock be accepted.

For the purpose of aphid monitoring the country is split into seven separate "Aphid Control Areas" (ACAs). At Level 1 of the Aphid Monitoring Programme, three potato crops in areas of known high aphid risk are selected in each ACA. Very early ware crops are avoided since they are unlikely to be typical of seed crops. Instead, ware crops on which insecticides have not been used (or organic seed crops) that are not dissimilar in their growth from early seed crops within the ACA are selected. These crops are monitored weekly by threshing 100 plants. The presence of adult Peach-Potato aphids (Myzus persicae) or high numbers of adult Potato aphids (Macrosiphum euphorbiae) in any crop is sufficient to trigger the start of monitoring at level 2. It is recommended that growers consult their advisory services on control methods to limit the spread of potato viruses and, when using chemical control, the recommendations produced by the British Potato Council and the Insecticide Resistance Action Group are followed.

At level 2, Government Area Office Inspectors regularly monitor all seed crops within an aphid control area. If any aphid colonies are found on a sample of 105 leaves taken from 35 plants, the grower is advised of the presence of aphids in the crop. Under the revised arrangements introduced in 2002, if more than five aphid colonies are found in a crop, the grower is given notice that significant numbers of aphid colonies are present in the crop. This notice informs the grower of the need to either establish effective aphid control over the next seven days or burn down the crop. This notice applies to all crops within the same field as the crop on which the high aphid population was found. Seven days after the issue of the notice, these crops are again inspected for aphids (unless burned down during the intervening period). If, at this (or any subsequent) stage, more than ten colonies are found on 105 leaves, a letter is given to the grower confirming the requirement for post-harvest testing of that particular crop. Classification of the crop will depend upon the result of the post-harvest test.

Aphid monitoring in 2007

Aphid monitoring in 2006

Aphid monitoring in 2005

Aphid Monitoring in 2004