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 U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service awarded a $110,000 cooperative agreement to NY State Agriculture & Markets on June 1, 2026, to monitor for insect pests of apples and cherries that pose significant risk to New York's fruit and ornamental nursery industries.

The recipient will conduct orchard commodity surveys targeting summer fruit tortrix moth, false coddling moth, and apple proliferation disease using trap and visual detection methods with GPS documentation. The survey deploys 45 traps for each targeted insect pest in cherry and apple orchards statewide, with traps placed in June and serviced every two weeks. Visual surveys at 15 sites will be conducted in late summer and early fall. Survey maps will illustrate areas covered and detection locations. Activities follow USDA-approved pest surveillance methods. Early detection of exotic insects that would threaten New York apple and cherry producers, as well as the ornamental nursery industry growing crab apples and ornamental cherries, constitutes the intended outcome. Benefits extend to the general public.

Cornell University will serve as a sub-recipient conducting insect and pathogen identification services. Cornell Cooperative Extension in Eastern New York will conduct surveys and submit samples for analysis.

The award runs through May 31, 2027, with performance taking place in New York.

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, targeting cherry and apple orchards in new york state. Survey will be conducted using traps and lures when available, and visual surveys were not. 45 traps will be placed for each targeted insect pest, and visual surveys at 15 sites will be conducted for apple proliferation. Traps placed in june and serviced every two weeks. Visual surveys will be conducted in late summer/early fall. 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 grows crab apples, ornamental cherries, and other members of the rose family that are potential hosts for these pests. Intended beneficiary(IES): NY apple and cherry producers, and the general public. Subrecipient activities, if known or specified at the time of award: cornell will be contracted to conduct insect and pathogen identification services. Cornell cooperative extension in eastern new york will be contracted to conduct surveys and submit samples