First UK Case of Pea Bruchid Raises Fears for National Crop Security

The Processors and Growers Research Organisation (PGRO) has confirmed the presence of the pea bruchid (Bruchus pisorum) in a UK-grown commercial pea crop for the first time.

The pest, long established across continental Europe—especially northern France—has not previously completed its life cycle in UK crops. This spring’s unusually warm and dry conditions appear to have enabled its development here.

The life cycle of the pea bruchid closely resembles that of the bruchid affecting faba beans. Adults lay eggs on young pea pods; larvae then mature inside the grains, and when the adult beetles emerge, they leave small holes in harvested peas—significantly reducing crop value, especially for human-consumption markets.

Roger Vickers, Chief Executive of PGRO, emphasised the seriousness of the threat, saying: “This is the first confirmed occurrence of pea bruchid in a UK commercial crop, and it is vital that 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.”

PGRO is establishing an incidence log to monitor the pest’s spread. Growers and traders are being urged to inspect pea crops for signs of damage and submit reports—including location details and clear photographs—via the free PGRO Crop Monitor App. High-quality images are vital to distinguish bruchid damage from that of the pea moth.

Furthermore, PGRO is convening a forum with industry stakeholders to develop an action plan aimed at preventing the pest from completing its life cycle in spring 2026, with an emphasis on stopping egg-laying and avoiding permanent establishment.

Ensuring seed hygiene is also critical. PGRO advises that all imported pea seed must be free of bruchid; if live insects are detected, seed lots must be fumigated, rejected, or destroyed. Any live bruchid findings in seed for multiplication must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), which will then impose movement restrictions.

PGRO continue to advocate for an integrated pest management (IPM) approach, regarding pesticides as a last resort, while exploring control options. Advisory support and awareness campaigns are also expected to roll out in the coming months.

Vickers added: “A healthy crop starts with good-quality, clean seed… Grower understanding and active participation will be essential in ensuring we prevent pea bruchid from gaining a foothold in the UK.”