National Programme for the Control of Pests in Perennial Crops During the Winter Period

The preparation of the National Programme for the Control of Pests in permanent crops during the winter period aims to reduce losses and the spread of diseases and pests in the country. The Programme mainly examines those pests that are affected by the application, outside the vegetation period of the plants, of agrotechnical and chemical control measures. The measures envisaged in this Programme apply only to pome and stone fruit species. 

The implementation of the National Programme for the Control of Pests in Permanent Crops during the Winter Period reduces the overwintering stock of pests and causal agents of diseases in fruit crops, which ensures normal plant development at the beginning of the vegetation period and a reduction in the number of in‑season spray applications. Autumn‑winter spraying of permanent crops destroys overwintering forms of pests and also prevents the development of numerous disease pathogens. In addition to chemical means, agrotechnical and biological methods are used for pest control in permanent crops during this period.

Furthermore, one of the main requirements of the European agricultural policy for the “sustainable use of pesticides” is an integral part of the Programme, with the objective being the production of high-quality agricultural products without pesticide residues, as well as a high level of protection of human health and the environment from the negative impact of pesticides. Therefore, it is of great importance to select an appropriate plant protection product. The correct dose and the optimal timing of treatment ensure not only high yields, but also help to reduce contamination of fruit and the environment.

This National Programme is intended for specialists – agronomists and agricultural producers and focuses on diseases and pests whose development can be limited through the application of autumn‑winter protective measures. The Programme has been drawn up on the basis of Article 6, item 2 of the Plant Protection Act and Order No RD 09-656/27.09.2013 of the Minister of Agriculture and Food by a working group in

whose composition are included officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency, RFD–Kyustendil, RFD–Pazardzhik and RFD–Plovdiv, with the active cooperation of the Agricultural University – Plovdiv. It makes use of scientific studies, data, tables, presentations, photographs from the work “Good Plant Protection Practice in Fruit Crops” and materials from EPPO (European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization) and others.

The National Programme for the Control of Pests in Permanent Crops during the Winter Period can be viewed HERE