China’s MARA formally promulgates Catalogue of Class 1 Crop Pests and Diseases

On 15 September, 2020, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China (MARA) issued the No. 333 Document of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, promulgating the Catalogue of Class 1 Crop Pests and Diseases (the Catalogue) to strengthen administration of classification of crop pests and diseases according to the Regulations on Prevention and Control of Crop Insect Pests and Diseases (the Regulations) coming into force on 1 May, 2020.

The MARA started to solicit public opinion on the consultation paper of the Catalogue on 4 June, 2020. Crop pests and diseases are divided into three classes (Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3) according to the characteristics of them and the degree of their damage to agricultural production.

In the consultation paper, 16 crop pests and diseases that would cause significant losses to agricultural production and grain security were included in Class 1 Crop Pests and Diseases. In the formal catalogue, wheat aphid became an addition joining the list.

Table: Catalogue of Class 1 Crop Pests and Diseases in China

Source: MARA