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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.

05/03/2025 —

Research

Agricultural biodiversity and climate change: vegetation in the margins of fields has changed in just 10 years

Scientists from INRAE and ANSES have been studying changes in field margin vegetation on 500 agricultural plots in mainland France, to understand how climate change and farming practices are affecting these plants. Their results, published in Ecology Letters, show that in 10 years the average temperature in these plots has risen by 1.2°C and soil moisture has fallen by 14%. The work shows that the plant communities in field margins have changed as a result, with more species tolerant to heat and aridity to the detriment of ruderal species (i.e. those able to withstand the disruption associated with farming practices). Climate change mitigation practices, such as plant cover and agroforestry, or reducing the use of agricultural inputs, would help preserve the ability of this biodiversity to adapt.

07/10/2024 —

Research

How green peach aphids resist neonicotinoid insecticides

Neonicotinoids have long been used to combat aphids in crops Repeated use of these active substances has led to the selection of insects capable of resisting them. A study on the green peach aphid carried out by ANSES in collaboration with a research scientist from the University of Exeter (UK), revealed that resistance was based on two distinct mechanisms in this species. One is specific to the product's mode of action and the other is based on its degradation. The scientists' findings show that interactions between resistance mechanisms are possible, which is vital knowledge for adapting and adjusting control strategies.

15/07/2024 —

Expert assessment

Processionary caterpillars: which workers are most exposed?

The occupations most exposed to the stinging hairs of processionary caterpillars are lumberjacks, silviculturists, forestry operators and workers maintaining or developing green spaces. These are the findings of the CheniPRO workplace study conducted by ANSES in partnership with the Agricultural Mutual Insurance Scheme (MSA). It is essential that workers wear suitable protective equipment to prevent the risks of exposure.

12/06/2024 —

Event

12-13-14 June 2024

One H International Symposium 2024

Rue Pierre Coubertin, Saint-Brieuc

Public :

Palais des Congrès et des Expositions de Saint-Brieuc

The International One H Symposium will bring together players in the animal, environmental and human health sectors for a comprehensive review of the transmission of infectious diseases from animals to humans using a “One Health” perspective.

Nouvelles techniques génomiques : l’Anses appelle à une réglementation adaptée

06/03/2024 —

Expert assessment

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.

01/03/2024 —

Inside ANSES

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.

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.

21/12/2023 —

Expert assessment

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.

31/03/2023 —

Research

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.

10/11/2022 —

Research

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.

Signature partenariat Ouest valorisation et Anses

30/08/2022 —

Inside ANSES

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.

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.

03/03/2025

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.

30/10/2024

One Health for living beings and ecosystems

The One Health concept 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?

03/04/2024

Facilitating access to biocontrol solutions: products and macro-organisms

Biocontrol is one way of facilitating the substitution of synthetic plant protection products by alternatives. Although they are of natural origin, these solutions still have to be scientifically assessed before they can be used, to ensure their effectiveness and their safety to health and the environment. ANSES has set up an internal organisation to examine applications for biocontrol plant protection products, in order to be able to achieve the shorter processing times imposed by the French Rural Code.

22/02/2024

Ragweed, an invasive plant that is problematic for both health and agriculture

Ragweed is native to North America but has spread to Europe in particular over the last few decades. Its pollen causes allergies, with between 1 and 3.5 million people believed to be affected in France. What is ragweed? Where is it found in France? What are its effects on agriculture? Are there ways of keeping it from spreading? Here is our update on the situation.

22/02/2024

Insects that are harmful to plants

While some insects are essential for plants, others can be detrimental to their health and destroy gardens, forests, wood and crops. In view of climate change and increased international trade, it is vital to identify and manage the multitude of new insects that could potentially become established in France. ANSES is the National Reference Laboratory for the identification of harmful insects.

22/02/2024

The red palm weevil, a pest native to Asia

The red palm weevil ( Rhynchophorus ferrugineus ) is a beetle that is a particular menace to palm trees. Native to South and South-East Asia, it became established in the south of France in the early 2000s.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.