USDA-aphis is funding a stone fruit commodity survey to target early detection of plum fruit moth, european grapevine moth, and plum POX virus, that cause significant damage to stone fruit and in turn…

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service awarded a $280,000 cooperative agreement to New York State Agriculture & Markets on September 29, 2026, to conduct a stone fruit commodity survey targeting early detection of plum fruit moth, European grapevine moth, and plum pox virus in New York.

The survey employs traps and lures for insect detection, supplemented by visual inspection, and serological (ELISA) assays on asymptomatic leaf tissue samples for plum pox virus detection. Twelve traps for European grapevine moth and twelve traps for plum fruit moth will be placed across six stone fruit orchards each. Leaf sampling will occur in properties along the New York-Ontario border at the Niagara River and in Niagara County orchards. All survey results—positive and negative findings—will be reported to the National Agricultural Pest Information System (NAPIS).

Cornell University serves as sub-recipient, providing preliminary identification of target pests and diseases, conducting ELISA assays, and performing insect identification. The cooperative agreement runs through September 28, 2027, with performance located in New York. Early detection of these exotic insects and the plant virus aims to prevent significant damage to the stone fruit industry of New York and the United States.

Activities

Survey will be conducted using traps and lures when available, visual survey where not, and sampling of asymptomatic leaf tissue for plum POX virus. 12 traps for european grapevine moth placed in 6 stone fruit orchards. 12 traps for plum fruit moth placed in 6 stone fruit orchards. Survey via leaf sampling in properties along the border with ontario, canada (along niagara river) and orchards in niagara county. Plant tissue will be collected and tested by serological (elisa) assays for the presence of plum POX virus. Cornell will conduct elisa assays and insect ID. Deliverables and expected outcomes: early detection of significant exotic insects that would have a detrimental impact on the new york stone fruit industry. Early detection of a significant plant virus that would have a detrimental impact on the stone fruit industry of the united states and new york. All survey results - positive and negative will be reported in napis. Intended beneficiary(IES): the stone fruit industry of the united states and new york. Subrecipient activities, if known or specified at the time of award: cornell will provide preliminary ID for target pests and disease