Spain: Shipments of infected South African citrus fruit continue to arrive

Published 2024년 8월 13일

Tridge summary

The European Union (EU) has intercepted multiple shipments of citrus fruit from South Africa that were infected with Phyllosticta citricarpa and the false moth, a pest not normally found in Europe. South Africa's citrus industry is struggling with black spot, raising concerns about the phytosanitary risk posed to the EU. The EU and Brazil have made numerous interceptions of pests and fungi in citrus imports, highlighting the need for improved pest and disease control at the border. The Argentine Association of Agricultural Producers (AVA-ASAJA) is calling for a reevaluation of pest and disease management at the EU border to protect European agriculture.

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Original content

As in previous months, shipments of infected South African citrus fruit continue to arrive. Last July, the European Union intercepted 11 shipments infected with Phyllosticta citricarpa, the fungus that causes black spot in citrus, and the false moth (Thaumatotibia leucotreta) in citrus imports from South Africa destined for the European market. After the first detection of black spot in June, coinciding with the start of its citrus export campaign, South Africa is once again in the spotlight in July, with eight cases of interceptions in lemons, one in oranges and one in grapefruit. As for the false moth, it has recorded one detection in oranges, the first of the season, as well as two more in Tabasco chili. AVA-ASAJA warns that “South Africa continues to have a serious problem with black spot. This year it seems that it is on track to repeat the more than 50 interceptions of 2023. The phytosanitary risk is high and real. We cannot continue to depend on chance, because any ...

Source: Campocyl