EU Plant Protection Alerts: Weekly Report (June 17-24, 2025)
Executive Summary
Based on comprehensive monitoring of official phytosanitary services across the European Union, this report presents plant protection alerts issued specifically between June 17-24, 2025. During this period, several critical alerts were identified affecting key agricultural crops, with particular emphasis on emerging pest pressures and disease threats requiring immediate farmer attention.
Country-Specific Plant Protection Alerts
Germany
Alert Issue: Maize Borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) Temperature Threshold Reached
Date Announced: June 20, 2025
Crop Affected: Maize (corn)
Current Developmental Stage: Pre-tasseling to early tasseling stage
Pest Information: European corn borer larvae are emerging due to elevated temperatures consistently above 25°C. The pest's developmental threshold has been exceeded, triggering first-generation activity.
Common Symptoms:
- Small holes in leaves indicating larval feeding
- Broken or bent stalks
- Presence of frass (insect excrement) at leaf whorls
Farmer Actions Required:
- Begin monitoring for egg masses on leaf undersides
- Consider biological control with Trichogramma wasps if available
- Chemical treatment should be timed 10-14 days after peak moth flight
- Avoid treatments during temperatures above 25°C to maintain pesticide efficacy
Alert Issue: Sugar Beet Leafhopper (Cicadellidae) Population Surge
Date Announced: June 20, 2025
Crop Affected: Sugar beets
Current Developmental Stage: Mid-season growth, 6-8 leaf stage
Pest Information: Cicadellid populations have increased significantly due to warm, dry conditions. These insects can transmit viral diseases and cause direct feeding damage.
Common Symptoms:
- Yellowing and curling of leaf margins
- Stunted plant growth
- Presence of small, wedge-shaped insects on leaf undersides
Farmer Actions Required:
- Monitor trap catches and field populations weekly
- Apply acetamiprid-based insecticides if thresholds are exceeded
- Avoid pyrethroid applications during temperatures above 25°C
- Implement follow-up treatments 10-14 days after initial application
Spain (Valencia Region)
Alert Issue: Vine Mildew (Plasmopara viticola) High Risk Period
Date Announced: June 21, 2025
Crop Affected: Grapevines
Current Developmental Stage: Post-flowering to early fruit development
Disease Information: Downy mildew pressure has intensified following recent humidity and temperature fluctuations. The pathogen thrives in temperatures around 20-25°C with high relative humidity.
Common Symptoms:
- Oily yellow spots on upper leaf surfaces
- White, cotton-like growth on leaf undersides
- Brown lesions on young shoots and inflorescences
Farmer Actions Required:
- Apply preventive copper-based fungicides immediately
- Ensure thorough coverage of all green tissues
- Repeat applications every 10-14 days or after rainfall exceeding 10mm
- Monitor weather forecasts for continued humidity risks
Alert Issue: Persimmon (Caqui) Leaf Necrosis Treatment Period Ending
Date Announced: June 20, 2025
Crop Affected: Persimmon (Diospyros kaki)
Current Developmental Stage: Early fruit development
Disease Information: The official treatment window for necrosis foliar control is concluding. This fungal disease can significantly impact fruit quality and yield.
Common Symptoms:
- Dark brown to black spots on leaves
- Premature leaf drop
- Reduced photosynthetic capacity
Farmer Actions Required:
- Complete final preventive fungicide applications before June 30, 2025
- Focus on copper-based treatments for organic operations
- Implement proper sanitation by removing infected leaf debris
France (Centre-Val de Loire)
Alert Issue: Grapevine Flavescence Dorée Vector Control
Date Announced: June 18, 2025
Crop Affected: Grapevines (Vitis vinifera)
Current Developmental Stage: Post-bloom, early berry development
Pest Information: Scaphoideus titanus (leafhopper vector) larvae have reached critical development stages requiring mandatory treatment. This vector transmits the devastating flavescence dorée phytoplasma.
Common Symptoms:
- Leaf rolling and yellowing
- Irregular ripening patterns
- Decline in vine vigor
Farmer Actions Required:
- Apply mandatory larvicide treatments between June 2-12, 2025 (final opportunity)
- Second treatment required 10+ days after first application
- Use authorized insecticides specifically approved for cicadellid control
- Biological producers must follow specific treatment schedules through July 2, 2025
United Kingdom
Alert Issue: Bluetongue Virus Restriction Zone Extension
Date Announced: June 23, 2025 (effective July 1, 2025)
Crops/Livestock Affected: All ruminants (sheep, cattle, goats) and camelids
Current Situation: Extension of bluetongue restricted zone to cover all of England
Disease Information: Bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) transmitted by Culicoides midges affects ruminant livestock.
Common Symptoms:
- Fever and lethargy in affected animals
- Swelling around the head and neck
- Difficulty breathing or eating
Farmer Actions Required:
- Discuss vaccination strategies with private veterinarians
- Implement midge control measures around livestock areas
- Monitor animals for clinical signs
- Movement restrictions will be lifted allowing free movement within England from July 1, 2025
Italy (Friuli-Venezia Giulia)
Alert Issue: Grapevine Peronospora Preventive Treatment
Date Announced: June 6-8, 2025
Crop Affected: Grapevines (organic production)
Current Developmental Stage: Post-flowering, early berry formation
Disease Information: Plasmopara viticola risk elevated due to predicted weather patterns. Meteorological conditions favor infection periods.
Common Symptoms:
- Oily yellow lesions on leaves
- White sporulation on leaf undersides
- Berry infection leading to brown, desiccated clusters
Farmer Actions Required:
- Apply copper hydroxide at 300-400 g/ha preventively
- Treatment window: June 7-8, 2025, before predicted rainfall
- Combine with sulfur (3-4 kg/ha) for oidium control
- Monitor weather forecasts for additional infection periods
Alert Issue: Cherry Integrated Protection Program
Date Announced: June 1, 2025
Crop Affected: Sweet cherry (Prunus avium)
Current Developmental Stage: Fruit ripening stage
General Pest Management: Integrated approach for various cherry pests during critical harvest period.
Actions Required:
- Follow integrated pest management protocols
- Monitor for fruit flies and other harvest-time pests
- Implement appropriate harvesting timing to minimize pest damage
Greece
Grapevines
Alert Issue: Downy Mildew (Plasmopara viticola) High Risk Period
Date Announced: June 19, 2025
Crop Affected: Grapevines
Current Developmental Stage: End of flowering to early berry set (post-anthesis)1
Disease Information: Downy mildew pressure has intensified following favorable weather conditions including localized afternoon rainfall and high atmospheric humidity periods1. The pathogen particularly thrives in humid and shaded vineyard locations1.
Common Symptoms:
- Oil-spot lesions appearing on leaves
- White cottony growth on leaf undersides during humid conditions
- Infection of grape clusters and rachis from fruit set until veraison
Farmer Actions Required:
- Continue protection with systemic or penetrating fungicides with curative action
- Rotate between different chemical categories to prevent resistance development
- Apply treatments every 10 days
- Schedule applications from late afternoon onwards due to high daytime temperatures1
Alert Issue: Powdery Mildew (Erysiphe necator) Continuous Protection Required
Date Announced: June 20, 2025
Crop Affected: Grapevines
Current Developmental Stage: Grape cluster development to pre-veraison
Disease Information: Weather conditions including temperature, humidity, and wind patterns favor the fungus. Grape berries remain susceptible until veraison, with new infections continuing on cluster stems and new growth.
Common Symptoms:
- Powdery white growth on berries, leaves, and shoots
- Distorted growth patterns
- Reduced photosynthetic capacity
Farmer Actions Required:
- Maintain continuous protection without gaps during this critical period
- Use approved fungicides with rotation between different chemical groups
- Ensure complete coverage with recommended intervals based on product specifications
Alert Issue: European Grape Moth (Lobesia botrana) Second Generation Flight
Date Announced: June 19-23, 2025
Crop Affected: Grapevines
Current Developmental Stage: Advanced berry development to cluster closure
Pest Information: The carpophagous generation flight continues with peak activity recorded. Flight monitoring shows progressive decline in late-maturity zones while remaining high in late-season areas.
Common Symptoms:
- Small holes in grape berries indicating larval feeding
- Webbing around affected berries
- Premature berry drop
Farmer Actions Required:
- Implement repeat spray treatments targeting grape clusters
- Ensure thorough coverage of berries during application
- Time applications from dusk onwards
- Consider weather forecasts when using contact insecticides due to rain wash-off
Alert Issue: Grape Leafhopper (Empoasca spp.) Population Monitoring
Date Announced: June 20, 2025
Crop Affected: Grapevines
Current Developmental Stage: Mid-season growth
Pest Information: Increased populations observed, particularly in vineyards maintaining tender growth. The insects feed by sucking plant juices and secreting substances that damage the vascular system.
Common Symptoms:
- Leaf curling and burned appearance
- Symptoms primarily on middle and upper vine leaves
- Yellowing and marginal necrosis of leaves
Farmer Actions Required:
- Conduct systematic monitoring of 100 randomly selected leaves
- Treatment threshold: 50-100 wingless individuals per 100 leaves
- Combine treatment with grape moth control when necessary
- Target vegetation during spray applications
Olives
Alert Issue: Olive Kernel Borer (Prays oleae) Carpophagous Generation
Date Announced: June 20, 2025
Crop Affected: Olive trees
Current Developmental Stage: Early fruit development
Pest Information: Following the initiation of carpophagous generation flight on May 30-June 2, populations show significant increases in lowland areas of Halkidiki and Thessaloniki. Temperature-based models predict peak emergence between June 23-265.
Common Symptoms:
- Small holes in developing olive fruits
- Premature fruit drop
- Reduced oil content in affected fruits
Farmer Actions Required:
- Optimal intervention timing: June 23-27, 2025
- Consider timing of last intervention and active ingredient used
- Assess residual effectiveness of previous treatments
- Apply approved insecticides targeting the carpophagous generation
Stone Fruits (Apple, Pear, Walnut)
Alert Issue: Apple and Pear Scab (Venturia spp.) Post-Rainfall Risk
Date Announced: June 23, 2025
Crop Affected: Apple and pear trees
Current Developmental Stage: Fruit development
Disease Information: Recent rainfall combined with expected temperature increases significantly elevate infection risk. Spring rainfall has already promoted symptom development in some orchards.
Common Symptoms:
- Dark, scab-like lesions on fruits and leaves
- Premature leaf drop in severe cases
- Reduced fruit quality and storability
Farmer Actions Required:
- Immediate protection of fruits with approved fungicides
- Focus on orchards with existing symptoms, history of severe infections, or proximity to infected areas
- Rotate fungicides from different chemical groups to prevent resistance
- Coordinate area-wide management for effective control
Alert Issue: Pear Septoria Leaf Spot (Septoria piricola)
Date Announced: June 23, 2025
Crop Affected: Pear trees
Current Developmental Stage: Active foliage development
Disease Information: Weather conditions favor disease expansion with particular attention needed for orchards in humid locations.
Common Symptoms:
- Small brown spots with yellow halos on leaves
- Progressive defoliation in severe cases
- Reduced photosynthetic capacity
Farmer Actions Required:
- Immediate protection with approved fungicides
- Combine treatment with scab control programs
- Focus on orchards with existing foliar symptoms or inadequate previous control8
Alert Issue: Bitter Pit Prevention in Apples
Date Announced: June 23, 2025
Crop Affected: Apple trees (particularly in Zagora Pelion region)
Current Developmental Stage: Fruit development
Physiological Disorder: Calcium deficiency in developing fruits leading to dark spots and reduced marketability.
Common Symptoms:
- Brown to black spots on fruit surface and flesh
- Reduced fruit quality and storage life
- Bitter taste in affected areas
Farmer Actions Required:
- Apply 4-5 calcium-containing sprays at 10-14 day intervals
- Final application two weeks before harvest
- Avoid applications above 28-29°C to prevent phytotoxicity
- Remove excessive vegetation and maintain regular irrigation without waterlogging
You can find more information about the most common and importan diseases and pests causing issue in the above crops and challenging producers, in the following articles.
Identification and management of Tent caterpillars (Malacosoma sp.) in apple trees
How to Cultivate Olive Trees Commercially: The Complete Guide to Profitable Olive Farming
Biological control of fruit flies in citrus: Effective IPM approach
Common Grapevine Pest and Diseases
Critical Environmental Factors
Weather-Related Stress Patterns
During June 17-24, 2025, Greece experienced significant environmental challenges affecting crop development. Mediterranean regions faced temperatures ranging from 27-34°C with periodic humidity fluctuations, creating optimal conditions for fungal diseases. These conditions particularly favoured downy mildew development in vineyards and various foliar diseases across fruit crops.
Integrated Management Recommendations
Greek agricultural authorities emphasized the importance of cultural practices to complement chemical control measures. Proper vineyard management including air circulation improvement, canopy management through green pruning, and moisture reduction strategies significantly contribute to disease and pest limitation.
Netherlands
Alert Issue: Temporary Exemptions for Agricultural Products
Date Announced: June 17, 2025
Multiple Crops Affected: Various agricultural commodities
Regulatory Update: Extension of import check easements and updated pesticide authorizations .
Administrative Actions:
- Review updated authorization lists for crop protection products
- Ensure compliance with temporary exemption conditions
- Monitor regulatory updates for continued compliance
Poland
Limited Specific Alerts for Target Period
Research of Polish plant protection services during June 17-24, 2025, revealed limited specific new alerts issued during this narrow timeframe . However, Poland maintains active monitoring for various emerging threats, including new bacterial pathogens and quarantine pests .
Environmental Challenges
Poland experienced significant weather-related agricultural stresses during June 2025, including severe storm damage in early June that affected over 30,000 people with strong winds, hail, and flooding . These extreme weather events create stress conditions for agricultural systems, leading to physical damage and increased susceptibility to secondary infections .
Regulatory Updates
Poland implemented important changes to plant protection products during 2025, with several active substances being withdrawn from the market . Key substances losing authorization included metrybuzyna (May 24, 2025), tritosulfuron (May 7, 2025), and products containing mepanipirym and dimetomorf .
Critical Weather-Related Risk Factors
Temperature Stress in Olive Production
Affected Regions: Mediterranean areas (particularly Italy and Spain)
Risk Period: from 18th-20th of June 2025 onwards
Crop Stage: Early olive fruit development (7-12mm diameter)
Temperature Threat: Sustained temperatures above 34°C with low humidity (37-47%)
Symptoms of Heat Stress:
- Necrosis of olive tissues when surface temperatures exceed 35-40°C
- Reduced transpiration efficiency
- Olive drop and reduced fruit set
Preventive Measures:
- Implement irrigation strategies during peak heat periods
- Monitor soil moisture levels closely
- Consider temporary shade structures for young plantations
Find more information on how to protect your olive trees from heat and drought stess in the following article.
Regional Disease Pressure Updates
Fungicide Resistance Monitoring
Current monitoring across Europe indicates continued pressure from fungicide-resistant pathogen populations, particularly for downy mildew (Plasmopara species) affecting viticulture. Farmers should rotate fungicide modes of action and implement integrated disease management strategies.
Emerging Pest Threats
The Suzuki fruit fly (Drosophila suzukii) continues to pose significant threats to soft fruit production across European regions. Peak activity periods coincide with fruit ripening stages, requiring enhanced monitoring and control measures.
Recommendations for EU Farmers
Immediate Actions (June 17-24, 2025)
- Temperature Monitoring: Implement regular temperature monitoring for heat-sensitive crops, particularly in Mediterranean regions
- Pest Surveillance: Increase monitoring frequency for temperature-dependent pests like corn borer and leafhoppers
- Fungicide Applications: Complete scheduled preventive treatments for downy mildew before predicted rainfall events
- Regulatory Compliance: Review updated pesticide authorization lists and temporary exemptions
Weekly Monitoring Priorities
- Weather Pattern Analysis: Monitor 7-day forecasts for temperature spikes and rainfall events
- Pest Development Models: Use degree-day accumulation models for predicting pest emergence
- Disease Risk Assessment: Evaluate humidity and temperature combinations for disease infection periods
- Resistance Management: Rotate fungicide and insecticide modes of action to prevent resistance development
Conclusion
The period of June 17-24, 2025, represents a critical time for European agriculture with multiple simultaneous pest and disease pressures coinciding with sensitive crop development stages. Temperature-driven pest emergence, combined with disease-favorable weather conditions, requires immediate and coordinated management responses. Farmers should prioritize integrated pest management approaches while maintaining compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks across EU member states.
This weekly monitoring approach enables proactive management decisions and helps prevent economic losses from pest and disease outbreaks during critical growing periods. Continued surveillance and timely interventions remain essential for maintaining productive and sustainable agricultural systems across the European Union.
References
https://www.minagric.gr/en/citizen-menu/foodsafety-menu
https://www.agrofagi.com.pl/6,alerty
https://gd.eppo.int/country/PL/reporting
https://wpolu.pl/porada/226-srodki-ochrony-roslin-wycofywane-w-2025-roku
https://portalagrari.gva.es/es/agricultura/avisos-de-tratamientos
https://www.wur.nl/en/article/suzuki-fruitfly.htm
https://www.nvwa.nl/onderwerpen/gewasbescherming/vrijstelling/landbouwkundige-adviezen-2025
https://portalagrari.gva.es/es/agricultura/avisos-de-tratamientos
https://neckar-odenwald-kreis.landwirtschaft-bw.de/,Lde/24406487
Further reading
EU Plant Health Alerts: 2nd quarter of June 2025 - Overview for Farmers
EU Plant Health Alerts: 1st quarter of June 2025 - Overview for Farmers
