Following a July 14 amendment to the European Union’s directive on protective measures against the introduction of harmful organisms into the EU, false codling moth (FCM) has now been included.
“This means that FCM is officially a regulated pest for the EU,” according to a statement from the Citrus Growers’ Association.
“The regulation states that citrus from Africa, amongst other crops, must either be sourced from an FCM-free area or must be subjected to an effective cold treatment or another effective treatment to ensure freedom from FCM.
“Citrus Research International (CRI) has developed a scientifically based systems approach as an effective alternative treatment, within an FCM management system (FMS).”
The CGA has advised that this system is currently being finalised through consultation with representatives from all sectors of the citrus industry, and will be presented in its current form to the industry at the upcoming CRI IPM and Disease Management Workshops in August and September.
“It is very important that all growers attend these workshops as the EU regulations affect the next citrus season and the FMS must be implemented as from November this year.”
