Laboratory Services for the analysis of samples to establish the Presence of Plant Parasitic Nematodes

Tender description

There is a requirement under Council Directive 2007/33/EC for Ireland to carry out an annual survey for Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN). This requires that soil samples to be taken on sites where certain bulbs, tubers and rhizomes are grown e.g. potatoes and daffodils. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, as the Competent Authority for the control of Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) in Ireland, is required to ensure strict adherence to the provisions of this legislation. Consequently soil samples are taken for analysis by authorised officers of this Department. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is the Certifying Authority for Seed Certification in Ireland. The scheme covers seed production and marketing for the main agricultural crops, e.g. Potatoes. All certified seed is subject to certain official laboratory examination for nematodes to ensure compliance with plant health legislation. Further nematology testing is required for peat, compost, potatoes and other products, which are exported to Third Countries.