Spain: The first losses due to the new South African persimmon thrips have been quantified at more than 5 million, centered in the Ribera Alta region

Published 2024년 7월 29일

Tridge summary

The South African thrips (Scirtothrips aurantii) is causing severe damage to persimmon crops in the Valencian Community, leading to losses over five million euros. Officially recognized on July 3, the pest has affected 4% of the fruit, making it unfit for consumption. The infestation, worsened by warm winters and high humidity, spans multiple municipalities. LA UNIÓ Llauradora criticizes inadequate border controls that allowed the pest's entry, raising production costs and reducing farmers' incomes. The organization urges for stricter import protocols, better border inspections, and more resources for plant health departments to safeguard European agriculture.

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Original content

The new quarantine plague of the South African thrips (or Scirtothrips aurantii) is already causing direct damage of more than five 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 was published, although a few days before LA UNIÓ had already made it public based on surveys carried out by the various producing areas. A study by LA UNIÓ with visits to affected fields reveals that the current percentage of damaged fruit is 4% because it is not suitable for consumption as a result of the damage caused by the pest and 6% in the Ribera Alta. “ONCE AGAIN, AS HAS ALREADY HAPPENED TO US WITH THE SOUTH AFRICA COTONET AND NOW WITH THE SOUTH AFRICAN TRIPS, IT HAS BEEN SHOWN THAT THERE IS A LACK OF CONTROL AT THE BORDER” This study also certifies that the damage extends to all ...

Source: Agroinformacion