Alert Summary
On May 9, 2025, the Plant Protection Service of Aragón issued critical alerts on codling moth activity in pome fruit and a high-risk period for olive leaf spot (repo), urging prompt phytosanitary measures.
More specifically, in Aragón (northeastern Spain), reports warned that codling moth (Cydia pomonella) has begun egg‐laying in early apple and pear orchards.
Codling Moth (Cydia pomonella)
- Pest: Cydia pomonella (Codling Moth)
- Crops Affected: Apple, Pear
- Region: Aragón, Northeastern Spain
- Alert Date: 9 May 2025
Symptoms: Larvae bore into fruits, causing tunnels filled with frass and premature fruit drop. Infested fruits are unsellable.
Recommended Actions:
- Apply ovicidal insecticide during peak egg-laying (current period).
- Follow up with larvicidal treatment 12–14 days later.
- These treatments should be timed based on trap counts and renewed if rainfall washes off products.
- Avoid treatments during flowering to protect pollinators.
Additionally, severe olive leaf rust (repilo, Spilocaea oleagina) is present in olive groves. Spring rains and humidity have driven rust inoculum above the threshold in several comarcas.
Olive Leaf Spot (Spilocaea oleagina)
- Pathogen/Pest: Spilocaea oleagina
- Crop Affected: Olive
- Region: Several comarcas in Aragón
- Alert Date: 9 May 2025
Symptoms: Dark, circular spots on upper leaf surfaces surrounded by a yellow halo. Infected leaves drop prematurely, reducing productivity and tree vigor.
Recommended Actions:
- Apply systemic fungicide before flowering. Early treatment prevents the characteristic yellow‐orange leaf spots and defoliation caused by olive rust.
- Prioritize treatment in plots with a history of disease and high humidity.
- Maintain the olive grove’s sanitation and avoid overhead irrigation.
- Use fungicides listed in the regional Integrated Pest Management guidelines.
These regional alerts are supported by the Gobierno de Aragón's plant health service and are available on the official website. Both advisories stress careful scouting (using traps for codling moth, visual checks for rust lesions) and timely treatments. National authorities (MAPA) also maintain integrated pest guides, but the Aragón bulletins provide the latest in-season guidance with specific recommendations and product lists.
Farmers in affected regions are strongly encouraged to stay up to date with these notices, monitor their crops regularly, and consult licensed local agronomists before taking action. Emphasis should be placed on prevention rather than reactive control. Adopting integrated pest management (IPM) strategies not only improves long-term effectiveness and ensures good plant health but also promotes more sustainable and environmentally responsible plant protection.
Source: https://www.aragon.es/documents/d/guest/aviso-n-7-carpocapsa
