National Cydia pomonella Prevention Plan comes into effect

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) published Ordinance SDA/Mapa No. 1.369/25, which establishes the National Plan for the Prevention and Surveillance of Cydia pomonella, better known as the apple moth.

The measure aims to reinforce prevention, monitoring and phytosanitary surveillance actions, ensuring that Brazil maintains its pest-free status, internationally recognized since 2014.

Cydia pomonella is considered one of the main threats to apple and pear production worldwide, potentially causing significant economic losses if introduced into Brazil. The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA) and state plant protection agencies have been monitoring this pest at entry points and in production areas.

The Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Sustainable Production and Irrigation of Rio Grande do Sul (Seapi-RS) reported that it has more than 100 traps installed to monitor the pest in the municipalities of Vacaria, Caxias do Sul, Bom Jesus, Arvorezinha and Anta Gorda.

“The eradication of Cydia pomonella "It was an example of cooperation between producers, companies, the public and private sectors, Mapa, and the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and Paraná, which enabled the first eradication of an insect worldwide. And today, we have this phytosanitary protection against the pest, which has boosted apple and pear exports to several countries," highlights Ricardo Felicetti, director of the Plant Protection Department at Seapi.

PNPV-Cydia Guidelines

The plan's guidelines include the installation and monitoring of pheromone traps in high-risk areas, inspection and traffic control at points of entry for plant products, health education activities, technical training for inspectors and agricultural defense agents, and the definition of emergency containment and eradication procedures in the event of potential detections.