Spain: First losses due to South African persimmon thrips quantified

The quarantine pest of the thrips Scirtothrips aurantii already causes direct damage of more than 5 million euros to persimmon producers in the Valencian Community, mainly concentrated in the Ribera Alta region, according to the first estimates of the Unió Llauradora. The pest was officially declared on July 3 after a Resolution from the Department of Agriculture, although days before LA UNIÓ had already made it public based on surveys carried out by the various producing areas. LA UNIÓ reported that visits to affected fields revealed that the current percentage of damaged fruit is 4%, which is not suitable for consumption, and 6% in the Ribera Alta. The damage also extends to all the municipalities of the region, with special incidence in Alzira, L'Alcúdia, Benifaió, Càrcer, Gavarda, Alcàntera de Xúquer, Antella, Sellent, Tous and Cotes. Related news: The UNIÓ warned of the possible presence of a new virulent thrips in citrus and persimmon crops Through a press release, the ...