Threats to plant health
By preventing threats to plant health, we can ensure a sustainable future for ourselves, our communities, and the environment.
In this section, we explore some key issues related to plant health.
Plant pests in the European Union
Plant pests pose a significant threat to plant health in the European Union. Some notable examples include the Asian longhorn beetle, the red palm weevil, and Xylella fastidiosa. The EU has published a list of 20 priority quarantine pests that present the most serious economic, environmental and social threat to EU countries. Pests can cause devastating damage to crops, gardens, and natural ecosystems. It is crucial to be vigilant and take preventive measures to mitigate their spread.
Climate change & plant health
Climate change poses a serious challenge to plant health. Rising temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns create favourable conditions for the spread of plant pests and diseases. It is essential to adapt our agricultural practices, promote resistant plant varieties, and implement sustainable land management techniques to safeguard plant health in a changing climate.
Risk prevention is better than pest management
Taking steps to prevent pests from infecting plants is a more effective approach than managing outbreaks. Some plant health disasters are irreversible. Take the case of Xylella fastidiosa, for example, this pathogen has killed millions of olive trees, some of which were a thousand years old. By prioritising prevention measures, we can help to make sure that destructive pests are kept out of the EU.
What can you do?
When traveling outside the EU, don’t bring back plants, flowers, seeds, fruits, or vegetables. These items may harbour pests that can harm plants in the EU. Help protect our plant health by adhering to customs regulations and not transporting plant material across borders.
When purchasing plants and seeds online make sure they come with a plant health certificate if they originate from outside the EU. This certification indicates that the plants have undergone EU checks, reducing the risks of introducing plant pests and diseases into your garden or farm.
For plant growers, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an approach that combines various strategies, including biological control and cultural practices to minimise the impact of pests while reducing harm to the environment, human health, and beneficial organisms. By adopting IPM principles, you can protect plant health effectively and sustainably.
Keeping plants healthy is our collective responsibility. By following the guidelines mentioned above and spreading awareness about plant health, we can all contribute to safeguarding plant health in the EU.