PGRO has confirmed the presence of pea bruchid in a UK-grown commercial pea crop for the first time.
For many years, PGRO has warned of the potential for this pest to establish in the UK, and it’s now been discovered in a sample grown on a farm in Cambridgeshire.
Widely found across continental Europe, pea bruchid is a common problem for growers in northern France. This spring’s unusually warm and dry conditions appear to have allowed the pest to complete its full life cycle in a UK crop for the first time.
Pea bruchid has a similar life cycle to the closely related bruchid that affects faba beans – the beetle lays eggs on young pea pods and larvae develop and mature within the grains. Small holes appear in the harvested crop when adult bruchids emerge; the resulting damage significantly reduces crop value, particularly for peas grown for human consumption.
Swift action
Roger Vickers, PGRO Chief Executive, says it’s vital the industry responds swiftly and collectively. “If this pest were to become established here, the consequences for pea growers and the supply chain would be extremely costly.
“Our immediate priority is to understand the extent of the issue and to prevent pea bruchid from establishing a permanent presence in the UK.”
The PGRO is establishing an incidence log to monitor the spread of the pest. Growers and traders are urged to inspect crops and produce carefully for signs of damage. Findings should be reported on the free PGRO Crop Monitor App including images and crop location details. Good-quality images are essential, as bruchid damage can be mistaken for that caused by pea moth.
The PGRO is also convening a forum with the trade to agree a plan of action to prevent adult pea bruchids resuming their life cycle in spring 2026. A coordinated effort will be required to stop egg-laying next year and to prevent the pest’s permanent establishment, adds Roger.
Pre-drilling advice
Preventing spread via seed is critical – PGRO advises all pea seed imported into the UK must be free of pea bruchid. If live insects are present, the seed lot should be fumigated, rejected, or destroyed.
Any incidence of live bruchids in seed lots must be reported. If the pest is detected in pea seed for seed production, APHA must be informed, and restrictions will apply to its movement.
Next steps
While pesticide intervention should remain a last resort within an integrated pest management approach, PGRO is currently investigating available control options. Advisory support and awareness campaigns will follow in the coming months.
“A healthy crop starts with good-quality, clean seed,” points out Roger. “Grower understanding and active participation will be essential in ensuring we prevent pea bruchid from gaining a foothold in the UK.”
