Episode
Pea Bruchid Update with Dr Becky Howard
- Podcast
- Inside the Pod
- Published
- Jan 30, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1036
- Processing state
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- https://rss.com/podcasts/pgro-inside-the-pod/2506971
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Summary
Pea bruchid beetle was detected for the first time in peas harvested in the UK in 2025. The AIC, BSPB, NFU and PGRO are working together to identify mitigations and minimise the risk of spread from the two sites in Landbeach, Cambridgeshire and Stubton, Lincolnshire. Having been confirmed post-harvest on both sites, the crops were removed and fumigated. However, due to the risk of mature beetles overwintering in the local area we have identified the need to establish a voluntary restriction zone within which we ask that growers abstain from planting pea crops in 2026. In the intermediary, establishment of catch crops and ongoing monitoring will be undertaken at the sites for the 2026 and 2027 growing seasons. The two confirmed findings have raised concern within the sector, presenting challenges not only to crop integrity and yield, but also to the continued confidence of our domestic and international trading partners. If unmanaged, these issues could have detrimental consequences for market access, supply chain stability, and the reputation of the UK pulse industry. To access the full PGRO guidance, please visit Pea Bruchid (Bruchus pisorum) | PGRO