EU Plant Health Alerts: 1st quarter of June 2025 - Overview for Farmers

Introduction

June 2025 marks a pivotal month for European agriculture, as a combination of warm temperatures, fluctuating humidity, and increased pest activity has triggered a series of plant health alerts across the continent. From the Mediterranean to Northern Europe, farmers are facing a diverse range of threats including aggressive fungal diseases, invasive insect pests, and herbicide-resistant weeds. National plant protection organizations and agricultural ministries have responded by issuing targeted alerts, each tailored to the physiological stage of crops and the unique risks present in their regions. This article brings together the latest official updates from Spain, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Poland, the Netherlands, Greece, and Germany, providing a practical guide for EU farmers to recognize symptoms, understand risk periods, and implement timely interventions to protect their yields.

Summary of Key Alerts and Actions

Fungal Diseases Surge: Downy mildew is threatening vineyards in France and Italy, while olive peacock spot is causing premature leaf drop in Spain and Greece.
Insect Pests on the Move: Tomato leaf miner outbreaks in Spain, olive fruit moth in Greece, and Suzuki fruit fly in Dutch orchards are driving urgent pest management actions.
Emerging Pathogens and Resistance: Poland faces ongoing monitoring for a new bacterial pathogen in vegetables, while Germany reports herbicide-resistant white goosefoot in sugar beet.
Border & Ecosystem Vigilance: The UK has heightened controls for imported timber and ornamentals, and the Netherlands is enforcing buffer zones to protect natural habitats.
Critical Crop Stages: Most alerts coincide with fruit set, flowering, or early vegetative growth—periods when crops are particularly vulnerable.
Immediate Actions Needed: Farmers are urged to apply targeted fungicides and insecticides, deploy biological controls, manage microclimates, and adhere to regulatory requirements.

Farmers must prioritize monitoring, adopt integrated pest management (IPM), and adhere to regional treatment windows.

Spain

Alert Date: June 4–6, 2025
Crops Affected: Olives, grapes, tomatoes, wheat

Olive Peacock Spot (Spilocaea oleagina)

Symptoms: Circular dark leaf lesions, premature defoliation.
Crop Stage: Post-flowering fruit development (5–8 mm diameter).
Actions: Apply copper-based fungicides preventively; remove fallen leaves to reduce spore spread.

Grape Downy Mildew (Plasmopara viticola)

Symptoms: Yellow "oil spots" on leaves, white fungal growth on undersides.
Crop Stage: Flowering to early berry development (BBCH 65–71).
Actions: Apply systemic fungicides (e.g., fosetyl-aluminum) before rainfall; ensure full canopy coverage.

Tomato Leaf Miner (Tuta absoluta)

Symptoms: Leaf tunneling, necrotic fruit damage.
Crop Stage: Fruit setting (BBCH 70–72).
Actions: Deploy pheromone traps (6–8/ha); introduce predatory Nesidiocoris tenuis bugs.

Wheat Stripe Rust (Puccinia striiformis)

Symptoms: Orange-yellow pustules in linear patterns on leaves.
Crop Stage: Grain filling (BBCH 80–85).
Actions: Apply tebuconazole if >5% leaf coverage infected; avoid nitrogen overuse.

France

Alert Date: June 4, 2025
Crops Affected: Vineyards

Downy Mildew & Black Rot

Symptoms: Oil spots progressing to necrotic lesions (mildew); black fruit mummification (black rot).
Crop Stage: Early flowering (BBCH 19–23).
Actions: Reapply potassium phosphonate mixes post-rain; prune for airflow. High-risk zones: Burgundy, Bordeaux.

Flavescence Dorée

Symptoms: Leaf reddening (red varieties) or yellowing (white varieties), shriveled berries.
Crop Stage: Shoot elongation (BBCH 15–18).
Actions: Mandatory insecticide sprays against Scaphoideus titanus vectors by June 12 in infected areas.

Italy

Alert Date: June 3, 2025
Crops Affected: Vineyards

Downy Mildew Management

Symptoms: Rapid lesion expansion under humid conditions.
Crop Stage: Fruit set (BBCH 71–73).
Actions: Spray cyazofamide + potassium phosphonate by June 6; add antioidics (e.g., trifloxystrobin) for dual protection.

United Kingdom

Alert Date: June 9, 2025
Crops Affected: Timber, ornamental plants

Heterobasidion irregulare (Fungal Pathogen)

Symptoms: Conifer root rot, resinous bark blisters.
Actions: Inspect imported EU timber; report suspected cases to DEFRA.

Popillia japonica (Japanese Beetle)

Symptoms: Skeletonized leaves on roses, maples, and stone fruits.
Actions: Quarantine host plants from EU imports; deploy pheromone traps in high-risk areas.

Netherlands

1. Suzuki Fruit Fly (Drosophila suzukii) in Plum Orchards

Alert Date: June 1, 2025 (effective until September 28, 2025)
Crops Affected: Plum orchards
Symptoms: Larvae tunneling into ripening fruits, causing premature drop and market rejection.
Crop Stage: Fruit development (BBCH 75–79).
Actions:

Apply Tracer (spinosad) during early infestation phases, adhering to drift-reduction spray techniques.
Remove fallen fruits to disrupt breeding cycles.
Monitor via pheromone traps (3–5/ha) and prioritize orchards near woodland edges.

2. Phytophthora in Potato Crops

Alert Date: June 10, 2025
Crops Affected: Potatoes
Symptoms: Dark leaf lesions, stem rot, and tuber blight under humid conditions.
Crop Stage: Tuber bulking (BBCH 41–49).
Actions:

Remove volunteer potatoes by June 15 to reduce inoculum sources.
Apply fungicides with alternating modes of action (e.g., mandipropamid followed by fluazinam).
Report outbreaks via PhytoAlert.nl to enable real-time risk mapping.

3. Transition Measures for Lily Cultivation in Drenthe

Alert Date: June 5, 2025
Crops Affected: Lily fields near Natura 2000 zones.
Issue: Stricter enforcement of buffer zones (250 m) to protect sensitive ecosystems.
Actions:

Conduct ecological self-assessments for new plantings.
Transition to low-drift nozzles and biological pest controls (e.g., Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes).
Non-compliant farms receive warnings until 2026, except repeat offenders.

Greece

1. Olive Fruit Moth (Prays oleae) – Western Peloponnese & Crete

What is the alert?

A significant risk from the olive fruit moth’s carpophagous generation is threatening olive groves, especially in late zones (Crete, Western Peloponnese). The pest’s activity is peaking, with high egg-laying and larval emergence observed, particularly in orchards with low to moderate fruit set.

When was it published?

June 6, 2025 (Crete, Heraklion)
June 2, 2025 (Western Peloponnese)

Which crops are affected?

Olive groves in Achaia, Ilia, Messinia (Western Peloponnese), Chania, Lasithi, Heraklion (Crete)

What are the common symptoms?

Egg clusters at the base of young olive fruits (calyx area)
Premature fruit drop
Larval tunneling into the pit, destroying the kernel and causing fruit loss

What is the physiological stage of the crop?

Post-flowering fruit set, with fruits at “grain of wheat” size (5–8 mm diameter)
In late zones, fruit set is just completed and fruit size is increasing

What should farmers do?

Apply insecticides: Use registered products (e.g., chlorantraniliprole, emamectin benzoate) between June 8–11, targeting the peak egg-laying period before larvae enter the fruit.
Combine treatments: Prune to improve canopy ventilation and reduce humidity, which also helps control other pests and diseases.
Monitor pest populations: Use pheromone traps and inspect fruit for eggs and early larval signs.
Integrated pest management: Where olive seed weevil (Rhynchites cribripennis) is present (evidenced by crater-like holes in fruit), synchronize treatments for both pests.
Remove and destroy fallen/infested fruits to break the pest cycle.
Use only approved products and follow label instructions for dosage, pre-harvest intervals, and safety.
Avoid spraying during high temperatures or strong winds; prefer evening applications.
Record all interventions and monitor effectiveness for future planning.
Consult local advisors for updates and adapt timing or product choice to local conditions.

2. Vine Grape Moth (Lobesia botrana) – Nationwide

What is the alert?

The second flight of the grape moth is underway in all winegrowing zones, with high activity (captures and egg-laying) especially in early and mid-early areas. This period is critical for controlling the pest, which threatens both table and wine grapes.

When was it published?

June 5–10, 2025 (Central and Northern Greece, Crete)

Which crops are affected?

Vineyards (wine and table grapes) in Crete, Central Greece, Eastern Macedonia & Thrace, Thessaly, and other key regions

What are the common symptoms?

Eggs and larvae on grape clusters
Larvae bore into berries, causing berry rot, shriveling, and loss

What is the physiological stage of the crop?

Berry set to early berry growth (BBCH 71–75), with some zones entering cluster closure (BBCH 77)
The season is slightly later than 2024 by 4–5 days

What should farmers do?

Apply insecticides:

Early zones: Start treatments from May 22–23, repeat as needed (see local bulletins for exact dates)1.
Mid and late zones: Apply from June 3–8, with follow-up sprays as indicated by monitoring123.
Prefer products with ovicidal or larvicidal action (e.g., Bacillus thuringiensis for minimal impact on beneficials).

Monitor with pheromone traps and adjust timing based on local pest captures and egg-laying observations.
Remove excessive foliage to improve spray penetration and reduce humidity.
Combine with leafhopper control if populations exceed intervention thresholds (50–100 nymphs per 100 leaves).
Follow all label instructions and consult local agricultural advisors for product selection and timing.

3. Powdery Mildew (Erysiphe necator) – Nationwide

What is the alert?

Favorable weather (warmth, humidity, winds) is causing rapid and repeated cycles of powdery mildew, with new symptoms frequently appearing on leaves and developing berries.

When was it published?

June 10, 2025 (Crete, Central and Northern Greece)

Which crops are affected?

Vineyards

What are the common symptoms?

White fungal growth on leaves, shoots, and berries
Increased risk with warm, humid conditions

What is the physiological stage of the crop?

Berry development (BBCH 71–77)

What should farmers do?

Maintain continuous fungicide protection without gaps, alternating products to prevent resistance
Use sulfur dust in the evening for preventive and curative action (avoid use above 30°C to prevent phytotoxicity)
Remove excess foliage to improve airflow and reduce humidity
Follow all label instructions for product use and safety

4. Downy Mildew (Plasmopara viticola) – Localized Risk

What is the alert?

Localized outbreaks have been observed following late May rainfall, especially in areas with night dews.

When was it published?

June 10, 2025 (Crete, Central and Northern Greece)

Which crops are affected?

Vineyards

What are the common symptoms?

Oil spots on leaves, white sporulation on undersides

What is the physiological stage of the crop?

Berry development (BBCH 71–77), with new growth especially at risk

What should farmers do?

Prioritize fungicide protection after rain or heavy dew, especially on new growth
Maintain good canopy ventilation through pruning
Use only registered fungicides and follow label instructions

5. Leafhoppers (Various species) – Nationwide

What is the alert?

Leafhopper populations have increased significantly in some vineyards, with both winged adults and nymphs found on leaf undersides.

When was it published?

June 10, 2025 (Crete, Central and Northern Greece)

Which crops are affected?

Vineyards

What are the common symptoms?

Visible insects on leaf undersides
Potential for leaf yellowing, reduced vigor, and transmission of certain diseases

What is the physiological stage of the crop?

Berry development (BBCH 71–77)

What should farmers do?

Regularly inspect 100 random leaves (1–2 per vine) from the middle to near the top of shoots
Intervene if 50–100 nymphs are found per 100 leaves; treatments can be combined with grape moth control
Use insecticides only when necessary to avoid resistance development
Always follow label instructions and safety measures

6. Olive Seed Weevil (Rhynchites cribripennis) & Olive Leaf Notcher (Otiorrynchus cribricollis) – Crete

What is the alert?

Increased activity of secondary olive pests is observed, causing additional fruit and foliage damage.

What should farmers do?

Monitor pest populations by shaking branches over a white surface in the morning
Treat if more than 3–4 adults per branch are found
Synchronize treatments with olive fruit moth control
Remove and destroy infested plant material
Use only approved products and follow all safety guidelines

Germany

1. Wireworm (Agriotes spp.) in Potato and Asparagus Fields

Alert Date: June 10, 2025 (emergency authorization)
Crops Affected: Potatoes, asparagus, and sweet potatoes.
Symptoms: Tuber tunneling, reduced marketability.
Crop Stage: Early tuber formation (BBCH 40–43).
Actions:

Apply ATTRACAP (Metarhizium brunneum) granules at planting.
Rotate with non-host crops (e.g., legumes) and avoid planting after grassland.

2. PS-II-Resistant White Goosefoot (Chenopodium album) in Sugar Beet

Alert Date: June 10, 2025
Crops Affected: Sugar beet and fodder beet.
Symptoms: Herbicide-resistant weeds competing for nutrients.
Crop Stage: Early vegetative growth (BBCH 14–18).
Actions:

Use Rinpode (florpyrauxifen-benzyl) in combination with mechanical weeding.
Implement crop rotation with winter cereals to disrupt weed cycles.

3. Downy Mildew in Ornamental Plants

Alert Date: June 1, 2025
Crops Affected: Greenhouse-grown ornamentals (e.g., petunias, geraniums).
Symptoms: Yellow leaf spots with white fungal growth on undersides.
Crop Stage: Vegetative growth to pre-flowering.
Actions:

Apply Fonganil Gold (metalaxyl-M) as a soil drench.
Reduce humidity via ventilation and space plants to minimize leaf wetness.

Poland

Alert Date: March 2025 (Ongoing Monitoring)
Crops Affected: Vegetables, ornamentals

‘Candidatus Arsenophonus phytopathogenicus’

Symptoms: Wilting, vascular discoloration in cucumbers and tomatoes.
Crop Stage: Early vegetative growth (BBCH 30–40).
Actions: Destroy infected plants; sterilize tools with quaternary ammonium compounds.

Cross-Country Recommendations

Microclimate Management

Prune trees and vines to improve airflow and reduce humidity, especially in vineyards and olive groves, to limit fungal disease spread.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Resistance Monitoring

Rotate fungicide and insecticide chemical groups to prevent resistance.
Integrate biological controls (e.g., predatory insects, nematodes) and mechanical methods (e.g., weed removal, crop rotation).

Accurate Monitoring and Early Detection

Use pheromone traps, visual scouting, and digital reporting platforms (such as PhytoAlert.nl or national RAIF systems) to detect outbreaks early.

Sanitation and Hygiene

Remove and destroy infected plant material and fallen fruits to break pest and disease cycles.
Sterilize tools between uses, especially in vegetable and ornamental production.

Cross-Border and Regional Coordination

Share pest and disease reports with neighboring farms and local authorities.
Stay updated on import/export restrictions and ecosystem protection measures.

Regulatory Compliance

Follow national guidelines on pesticide use, buffer zones, and emergency authorizations.
Participate in training and information sessions provided by local agricultural extension services.

Conclusion

The plant health alerts issued in the first quarter of June 2025 underscore the dynamic and interconnected challenges facing EU agriculture. Fungal pathogens, invasive insects, and resistant weeds are exploiting favorable weather and vulnerable crop stages, demanding swift and informed action from farmers. By implementing the recommended strategies—ranging from microclimate management and IPM to cross-border cooperation and compliance with evolving regulations—farmers can mitigate losses, protect their livelihoods, and contribute to the resilience of European food systems. Timely intervention, vigilant monitoring, and knowledge sharing remain the cornerstones of effective plant protection as the growing season advances.

This overview is designed to equip EU farmers with the latest knowledge and practical steps to respond to early June’s plant health threats, ensuring that they can take control and protect their crops during this critical period.

References

https://www.minagric.gr/images/stories/docs/nea/GEORGPROEIDOPOIHSEIS/KABALA/2025/ampeli_050625.pdf

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https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/stcrt-2025-18638.html