Spain: False moth detected in Moroccan pomegranates

The European Commission notes a first interception of the false moth plague (Thaumatotibia leucotreta) in a shipment of pomegranates from Morocco, a third country that until now was considered a zone free of this quarantine pest. Given this detection, the Valencian Farmers Association (AVA-ASAJA) expresses its "extreme concern about the very serious phytosanitary risk" and demands that the European Union immediately open an on-the-spot investigation in order to verify the real scope of the threat. and, where appropriate, take the appropriate measures to prevent this plague from reaching Europe. The false moth devastatingly affects dozens of crops and tree species. Its entry and spread in the EU would cause average losses of 26% in citrus production. Likewise, it causes serious damage to other agricultural production such as stone fruits, apples, pears, avocados, vines, olives, persimmons, pomegranates, peppers, tomatoes or eggplants, as well as roses and oaks. Its high capacity ...