Farming Today This Week: The war on plant pests and diseases

A constant battle is being fought to keep Britain's trees, plants and farm crops safe from infection and infestation. In fact, the lead researcher at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew, Dr Richard Buggs, says plant health is a major concern, especially as we prepare to leave the European Union. But as this week's Plant Biosecurity Conference in York heard, there's a great deal of work going on to safeguard species in the UK. Scientists are finding natural ways of dealing with pests and diseases that have become resistant to traditional chemicals. Meanwhile as more foreign and exotic plants prove popular at garden centres, strict protections are in place to make sure our native flora, stay healthy. In the Vale of Evesham, students at Pershore College are discovering how innovations such as vertical farming, soilless growing and drones can keep plants strong and sturdy.
Presented by Sybil Ruscoe.
Produced by Vernon Harwood.