UK farmers face worst aphid infestation in 25 years

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Sept, 20:50 · Archive

An aphid outbreak is destroying millions of lettuce heads across Britain.

Farmers are experiencing what they describe as the worst aphid infestation in 25 years, threatening to destroy nearly a third of the nation's lettuce crop. The British Leafy Salads Association warns that crisphead, romaine and iceberg varieties face the greatest damage. Growers face combined losses of around £10m.

How it is being reported

• Millions of lettuces ruined by UK aphid outbreakGrowers are facing losses of £10m, as 30 million heads of lettuce will be rendered unusable.BBC News · 23 Sept, 17:08
• Biblical bug outbreak risks ruining thousands of Britain's crops amid 'worst infestation in 25 years'Farmers across Britain have been left facing what they describe as the worst aphid infestation in a quarter of a century. The pest is threatening to destroy nearly a third of the nation's lettuce crop before the season ends in mid-autumn. The British Leafy Salads Association has warned that crisphead, romaine, and iceberg varieties face the greatest damage, with bright green lettuces particularly vulnerable compared to purple ones. One grower in East Anglia anticipates losing three million heads this year, at a cost of roughly £1million. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Underscoring the…GB News · 22 Sept, 15:09

In this story: Britain · East Anglia · British Leafy Salads Association

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