A warning has been issued not to touch the contents of strange seed packages being posted to homes across Scotland.
Scores of households have received the plastic packets containing mystery seeds that appear to have been sent from China or Singapore.
Recipients are being told not to plant, compost or handle the contents over fears they contain diseases or harmful chemicals.
Scots are being urged to report the unsolicited deliveries to a team of scientists who are investigating and analyzing the mystery seeds.
The National Farmers’ Union of Scotland said: “Significant numbers of Scottish households have been receiving unsolicited packets of seeds in the post from China/Singapore as part of a likely scam.
“Following contact with Scottish Government, it urges those receiving seeds to take the following actions.
“If the packet of seeds has not been opened, please leave it sealed. Do not plant or compost these seeds.
“It is possible that these seeds could be a harmful invasive species or harbour a disease both of which if released could pose a threat to agriculture and the environment.
“Do not handle the seeds. These seeds may have been treated with a chemical pesticide.
"Please wash your hands if you have handled them without gloves.”
Anyone who receives the strange packages is asked to contact Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture on info@sasa.gov.scot.
Residents will be sent out a zip-lock bag and pre-addressed envelope to put the packet inside before sending them back to the scientists for analysis.
