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Plant health

Plants can be threatened by diseases, pathogens or pests. These have an impact on health, the economy, food and biodiversity. Through its expertise, ANSES helps to prevent the emergence of diseases and pests, combat invasive plants, and reduce the impact of pesticide use in order to preserve the diversity of plant species and crops.

News

New genomic techniques (NGTs) : ANSES calls for appropriate regulations
Nouvelles techniques génomiques : l’Anses appelle à une réglementation adaptée
06/03/2024

New genomic techniques (NGTs) : ANSES calls for appropriate regulations

New genomic techniques (NGTs) offer a vast range of applications, especially in the breeding of cultivated plants. Similar to genetically modified organisms (GMOs), but nevertheless distinct from transgenic plants, these applications require careful consideration with a view to their possible arrival on the European market. Within the scope of its missions, ANSES conducted an expert appraisal of the challenges associated with these NGTs in order to provide the authorities and stakeholders with insights for the current discussions on changes to the European GMO framework. The Agency proposed adapting the assessment of these plants on a case-by-case basis, using a graduated approach, and recommended a comprehensive monitoring scheme. In addition to the health challenges, ANSES also identified various socio-economic motivations and concerns associated with NGTs in agriculture, and called for future decisions to be based on a democratic debate that goes beyond the risks and considers all the issues at stake.
New partnership between ANSES and the Croatian Agency for Agriculture and Food
01/03/2024

New partnership between ANSES and the Croatian Agency for Agriculture and Food

On 1 March 2024, ANSES signed its first cooperation partnership agreement with the Croatian Agency for Agriculture and Food (HAPIH). The two agencies have areas of expertise in common relating to animal and plant health, and food safety.
Improving identification of a fungal pathogen of citrus to prevent it from arriving in Europe
Des citrons contaminés par la maladie des taches noires des agrumes
23/01/2024
News

Improving identification of a fungal pathogen of citrus to prevent it from arriving in Europe

The Mycology Unit of ANSES's Plant Health Laboratory has developed a PCR test to distinguish the fungus responsible for citrus black spot from that of a recently discovered related species. This test will improve the ability to detect this pathogenic fungus, thus preventing it from being introduced into Europe.
Plants derived from new genomic techniques: analysis of category 1 inclusion criteria proposed by the European Commission
21/12/2023

Plants derived from new genomic techniques: analysis of category 1 inclusion criteria proposed by the European Commission

Since the European regulatory framework for GMOs was established in 2001, new techniques for genetically modifying plants have emerged. In order to inform discussions on changes to the regulatory framework to take account of these new genomic techniques (NGTs), ANSES issued an internal request to analyse the criteria proposed by the European Commission to define category 1 NGT plants, which are considered comparable to conventional plants. The Agency calls for clarification of several definitions or classification procedures and the scope of the techniques covered. It also highlights certain scientific and health-related limitations in the establishment of the criteria.
Plant-parasitic nematodes: new waste management solutions
Des méthaniseurs dans un champs
31/03/2023

Plant-parasitic nematodes: new waste management solutions

Nematodes are parasitic worms, some species of which cause major crop losses. To prevent their spread, it is important to disinfect organic waste – plants, soil and sludge – and water that have been in contact with these pests before discarding or reusing them. Scientists from ANSES's Plant Health Laboratory have assessed the effectiveness of various disinfection methods enabling this waste to be recovered and reused as part of the circular economy.
Studying differences in the insecticide resistance of green aphids
Un puceron vert du pêcher
10/11/2022

Studying differences in the insecticide resistance of green aphids

In aphids of the species Myzus persicae , there is a low rate of gene flow for insecticide resistance between the populations that colonise different plant species. This discovery made by scientists from ANSES, INRAE and the University of Montpellier may lead to a new approach to the strategies implemented to control the development of resistance to these pesticides.
ANSES signs a partnership agreement with Ouest Valorisation TTO to add value to its research results
Signature partenariat Ouest valorisation et Anses
30/08/2022

ANSES signs a partnership agreement with Ouest Valorisation TTO to add value to its research results

The Ouest Valorisation TTO and ANSES are signing a partnership agreement today. Its goals are to add value to the research results produced by ANSES's laboratories in the Brittany and Pays de la Loire Regions and develop innovation stemming from their work.
Plant protection: spotting the Japanese beetle's arrival in France as early as possible
scarabée japonais
13/06/2022
News

Plant protection: spotting the Japanese beetle's arrival in France as early as possible

The Japanese beetle has already been in Italy and Switzerland for several years, and there is a high probability that it will enter France. This insect pest poses a threat to hundreds of plant species. To have any chance of eradicating it from our country, action must be taken as soon as the insect is first detected.
Understanding the increase in damage caused by a fungus in the Landes forest
Pin
21/03/2022
News

Understanding the increase in damage caused by a fungus in the Landes forest

For the past three years, Cronartium pini , a fungus responsible for pine blister rust, has been causing increasing damage to maritime pines in the Landes forest. Work by the Plant Health Laboratory's Mycology Unit has shown that the nearby establishment of peony fields was not responsible, although it had increased its transmission and aggravated the extent of the damage it had caused.
What effect do herbicide-tolerant varieties have on plant biodiversity?
tournesols
18/03/2022
News

What effect do herbicide-tolerant varieties have on plant biodiversity?

The cultivation of herbicide-tolerant varieties (HTVs) of crops raises concerns for plant biodiversity. In a study conducted with INRAE and the regional chambers of agriculture, ANSES measured the impact of their use on plant diversity in and around fields.
Use of pesticides in the home in the French overseas territories (Reunion Island, Guadeloupe, Martinique)
Pesticides
28/06/2021
News

Use of pesticides in the home in the French overseas territories (Reunion Island, Guadeloupe, Martinique)

Used in gardens and homes or as antiparasitic products for humans and pets, pesticides expose the public to health risks that need to be controlled. In order to better understand the practices and uses of pesticides in the French overseas territories, ANSES conducted the Pesti'home study. Following its first report in October 2019 focusing on metropolitan France, today it is publishing the findings of the survey carried out among 608 households in the French Caribbean and on Reunion Island.
Harmonising the tests for detecting plant pests
Valitest
17/06/2021
News

Harmonising the tests for detecting plant pests

The results of the European Valitest project, coordinated by ANSES, were presented at the project's final general assembly on Wednesday 9 June. This project assessed a total of 83 tests, and led to diagnostic practices being harmonised for 11 plant pests.

Decryption

One Health for living beings and ecosystems
Homme Animaux
29/03/2023

One Health for living beings and ecosystems

One Health aims to promote a multidisciplinary, holistic approach to health issues. Where did this approach come from and what does it involve? How does ANSES apply it when carrying out its activities? Find out in our article.
Canker stain : a fungus that threatens plane trees
Des platanes le long d'une route
18/10/2022

Canker stain : a fungus that threatens plane trees

Introduced into France in the 1940s, canker stain of plane trees has been spreading ever since, especially in the southern part of the country. No treatment is available, so the infected plane trees have to be felled. ANSES is working to prevent the disease from spreading.
Xylella fastidiosa, a threat to olive trees and hundreds of plants
Xylella Fastidiosa
19/07/2022

Xylella fastidiosa, a threat to olive trees and hundreds of plants

Xylella fastidiosa is a phytopathogenic quarantine bacterium that can infect more than 600 plant species, affecting major agricultural crops such as grapevines, citrus fruits, almonds and olives, as well as herbs and ornamental, forest and wild plants. There are currently no curative measures against this bacterium. To avoid the spread of the disease, therefore, contaminated plants must be grubbed up and destroyed, and the insect vectors controlled. Here is an update on the bacterium, and on what the ANSES Plant Health Laboratory (LSV) is doing to help combat this pest.
Update on ragweed pollen
Ambroisie
29/06/2022

Update on ragweed pollen

Between 1 and 3.5 million people in France are believed to be allergic to ragweed today. What is ragweed? When do pollen levels peak? Is ragweed present across France? Are there ways of keeping it from spreading? Here is our update on the situation.
Research on vectors undertaken at ANSES
Vecteurs
05/01/2021

Research on vectors undertaken at ANSES

Some arthropods (a family that includes insects and arachnids) such as ticks and mosquitoes can transmit pathogens that cause diseases in animals, plants and/or humans. Several ANSES laboratories are studying vector-borne diseases transmitted to animals and the ability of vectors to transmit these pathogens.
Toxic plants
Plantes Toxiques
18/05/2020

Toxic plants

Some toxic plants resemble edible plants and may be confused with them, not only in the wild but also in the garden or vegetable patch. Picking plants for consumption is not without risk: 250 cases of confusion are documented every year. ANSES and the network of poison control centres are drawing attention to the risks of mistaking toxic plants for edible ones. The Agency is calling for greater vigilance and has issued advice on avoiding the risk of poisoning.
The pinewood nematode: a threat to French conifers
Nématode du Pin
27/02/2020

The pinewood nematode: a threat to French conifers

The pinewood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) is a microscopic worm that affects conifers, especially maritime pine. It is a particularly destructive parasite responsible for severe dieback in pine forests. Transmitted by an insect vector, its spread is mainly due to the transport of wood or plants. If this parasite were introduced into France, the Landes area would be at risk due to the widespread presence of maritime pine. As the National and European Reference Laboratory for identification of the pinewood nematode, ANSES has conducted several expert appraisals to assess the risks of introduction and establishment of the organism in France and to recommend management measures for pine wood and bark.
ANSES and biological pest control
Biocontrole
22/07/2019

ANSES and biological pest control

Biological pest control products include macro-organisms (invertebrates, insects, mites and nematodes) and plant protection products containing micro-organisms (fungi, bacteria, viruses), chemical mediators such as sex pheromones (chemical substances produced by insects that play a role in sexual attraction) and natural plant, animal or mineral-based substances. In a context advocating reduced use of plant protection products, biological control is one solution that has been identified for reaching the goals of the Ecophyto 2018 plan. For this reason, the marketing and assessment procedures need to be adjusted. Indeed, while the principles of biological control promote the use of processes and interactions that already exist in nature, these products can present risks for the environment. ANSES has therefore been asked to assess them.
The red palm weevil
Charancon Rouge
28/12/2018

The red palm weevil

What is the red palm weevil? The red palm weevil ( Rhynchophorus ferrugineus ) is a beetle that is a particular menace to palm trees. Originally from South and South-east Asia, it is now found in more than 60 countries, where it threatens date palms, ornamental palms and coconut palms. It has been present in France since 2006; it was first detected in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region (French Riviera) and has now become established in the Occitanie region and Corsica. The red palm weevil develops inside the stipe (trunk) of the tree, causing the palms to fall and the tree to die. It is often detected very late in palm trees, which is a major problem in the control of this pest. Once the palm weevil is established, the host tree dies after two to five years. In France, the main species threatened are the Date Palm ( Phoenix dactylifera ) and the Canary Island Date Palm ( Phoenix canariensis ). As it poses a global threat, an international action plan has been set up by the FAO to prevent the spread of the red palm weevil. In France, the red palm weevil has been classified as a Category 1 health hazard and has been the subject of a mandatory control strategy since 2010. This strategy is based on three key elements: monitoring and early detection of the presence of the pest; destruction of the contaminated plant or its infested parts; preventive treatments around infested palm trees to avoid any spread of the insect. ANSES’s work on the red palm weevil ANSES has worked on control of the red palm weevil on several occasions, in particular by assessing solutions for treating palm trees. It has also carried out an expert appraisal with a view to optimising strategies to control this pest..
Climate change and health
Changement Climatique
30/05/2018

Climate change and health

Climate change is a reality on which there is broad consensus in the scientific community. Because of the inertia of the climate system, changes to the climate related to human activities will continue for many years, regardless of any measures taken today. Combating climate change, which is part of a more global environmental change, is therefore essential to limit its magnitude.
Facilitating the marketing of biocontrol plant protection products
Produits Phytopharmaceutiques
27/11/2017

Facilitating the marketing of biocontrol plant protection products

Biocontrol is one of the solutions that could facilitate the substitution of synthetic plant protection products by non-chemical alternatives, with a view to achieving the goals of the French Ecophyto 2018 plan to reduce pesticide use. Although they are of natural origin, these plant protection products still have to be scientifically assessed, in terms of their effectiveness and their safety to health and the environment, before they can be placed on the market. ANSES has set up a specific system to give priority to applications concerning biocontrol products, including shorter timeframes for their examination and reduced fees, with the aim of promoting their development.
ANSES: a brief outline
30/07/2015

ANSES: a brief outline

Created on 1 July 2010, the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) is an independent scientific body which performs its risk assessment, reference and research activities in the fields of food safety and animal and plant health. Its core activity is the assessment of health risks in order to enable the public authorities to make informed decisions and in so doing to help ensure the health and safety of of the population both in its working and consumer activities

Publications

Document PDF
Biological risks for plant health
Date de mise en ligne
03/06/2021
Numéro de saisine
2020-SA-0133
Document PDF
Biological risks for plant health
Date de mise en ligne
29/04/2020
Numéro de saisine
2019-SA-0080
Document PDF
Biological risks for plant health
Date de mise en ligne
25/06/2019
Numéro de saisine
2015-SA-0078
Document PDF
Biological risks for plant health
Date de mise en ligne
10/07/2019
Numéro de saisine
2016-SA-0235
Document PDF
Biological risks for plant health
Date de mise en ligne
23/10/2019
Numéro de saisine
2017-SA-0259