To monitor for the presence of insect pests of apples and cherries that cause significant damage to these fruits and in turn the apple and cherry industries

The New York State Agriculture & Markets received a $110,000 Cooperative Agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) under the Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care program (CFDA 10.025), effective June 1, 2025 through May 31, 2026. This award funds a comprehensive orchard commodity survey targeting exotic insect pests affecting apple and cherry orchards throughout New York State. The primary deliverable is early detection and documentation of three invasive pest species—summer fruit tortrix moth, ambrosia beetle, and false coddling moth—that have not been previously established in the state but pose significant economic threats to the apple and cherry industries.

The survey employs USDA-approved pest surveillance methodologies, utilizing traps, lures, and visual detection methods with GPS-documented geographic data. All survey findings are entered into the National Agricultural Pest Information System (NAPIS) or designated database using approved protocols. The project benefits New York's ornamental nursery industry, which cultivates crabapples and ornamental cherries susceptible to these pests, as well as the broader American agricultural sector. NYS Agriculture & Markets will manage contractor activities as subrecipient, ensuring accurate, timely, and complete data collection and reporting throughout the award period.

Activities

The orchard commodity survey utilizes trap and visual detection, and documentation with GPS readings. Maps will be prepared to illustrate areas surveyed and locations of any detections. USDA's approved methods for pest surveillance will be followed. Orchard commodity survey - apple and cherry orchards in new york state for exotic pests. Survey will be conducted using traps and lures when available, visual survey where not. Deliverables and expected outcomes: early detection of significant exotic insects that would have a detrimental impact on new york apple and cherry industries. These pests would also threaten the significant ornamental nursery industry that grow crabapples, ornamental cherries, and other members of the rose family that are potential hosts for these pests. Each state is responsible for entering complete, accurate, and timely pest survey data into an approved database using approved protocol and methodology. All survey data from PPA §7721 goal 1 survey funded projects will be entered into either the national agricultural pest information system (NAPIS) or the designated database as determined by the program staff. This information is listed in the survey summary form and data requirements for funded surveys spreadsheet on the PPA §7721 page of the caps resource & collaboration website for each funded survey. Intended beneficiary(IES): this project will benefit the ornamental nursery industry & american citizens. Subrecipient activities, if known or specified at the time of award: NYS AGM will contract for IPM scouts, field support, laboratory diagnostic services, completion, and coordination of field work for the orchard commodity survey project. Assistant director will monitor the project and compile data and prepare reports within the period specified.