EU detects pests in South African citrus imports

Citrus imports from South Africa continue to be a cause for concern for the European Union after infestations of black spot (Phyllosticta citricarpa) and false moth (Thaumatotibia leucotreta) were detected in October, according to the European Commission's Europhyt platform. These detections bring the number of shipments intercepted for black spot to 28 so far this year, reinforcing calls by agricultural organisations to tighten phytosanitary controls at EU borders. In addition to South African oranges, the false moth was found in litchis from the same country, as well as in pomegranates from Israel and flowers such as roses from Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia and Zimbabwe. The latter country also recorded two interceptions of black spot and one of false moth in its citrus fruits. Brazil, for its part, has accumulated 80 interceptions this year, with the presence of bacterial canker (Xanthomonas citri) and the Elsinoë fungus, which reinforces its position as another focus of concern. A ...