Hi I'm
Dr Kerry Leslie

I am a consultant in the potatoes team of SAC Consulting hybrid working between home, the SAC Perth office, and potato fields across Scotland. I primarily work with and advise members of SACAPP (SAC Consulting Association of Potato Producers) but also interact with many members of the wider potato industry.

• Currently I am the knowledge & exchange work package lead for PCN Action Scotland (pcnhub.ac.uk)
• I am study director for two trials in the 2024 potato trials program: One trial is looking at Nitrogen efficiency and the application of biostimulant products. The other is an ongoing trial on herbicides available for use in potato crops.
• I am the nematology topic lead for our ongoing laboratory testing partnership with Eurofins.

Recent work history:

Before joining SAC Consulting early 2023, I was a horticulture and marketing officer for SASA (Scottish Government). In this role I looked at biosecurity of plant material being imported and exported out of Scotland, assessed if businesses trading in plants, and fruit and veg where following legislation, and I was also involved in crop and soil inspections for pests and diseases. Prior to this role I completed my PhD on potato cyst nematodes (The James Hutton Institute/The University of St Andrews). I also hold a first-class honours degree in microbiology from the University of Dundee.

Hobbies – I am an active scout leader; I love camping and being outdoors. I also run a small crochet business in my spare time.