The Secretariat of Agriculture (SAGARPA) published anAgreement in the Diario Oficial (Federal Register), on July 2, 2014establishing phytosanitary measures to control and mitigate the dispersion ofthe Pierce disease Xylella fastidiosa Subsp. fastidiosa and itsvector. This disease affects grape production. The Agreement entered into forceon July 3, 2014. Current export procedures for these materials are not expectedto be impacted.
The Pierce disease is considered a quarantine pest forMexico, which is caused by the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa subsp. fastidiosa.This is considered a progressive disease capable of eliminating plants andcomplete vineyards. The bacteria are transmitted by insect vectors. SAGARPApublished this agreement noting that Mexico cultivates grapes in 15 states withan area planted of about 28,940 hectares, total production in 2012 of 375,298MT, and an approximate value of $539 million dollars.
According to Art. 2 of this Agreement several actions willbe established to achieve control of the disease: a trapping network,exploration of area planted, sampling and diagnosing found insects, chemicalcontrol, and other activities.
People and organizations producing propagative material(grafted plants, rooted cuttings and vines) or fresh grapes under phytosanitarycontrol zones or that want to transport product from phytosanitary controlzones to free zones, or transit through them, must comply with these measures.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this agreement willbe sanctioned in compliance with the provisions of Chapters 3 and 5 of Title 4of the Federal Plant Health Law.
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