The Ministry of Agriculture, Water, Livestock and Fisheries has implemented an "urgent" action plan against the plague caused by the insect Scirtothrips aurantii, of African origin, which has affected 325 municipalities in the Valencian Community. This plague, which feeds on fruits and leaves, affects crops such as citrus fruits, pomegranates, persimmons, and table grapes, potentially causing the loss of harvests.
According to the information provided by the autonomous administration department, the plague arrived in Spain through Huelva in 2020 and has spread to various regions, including Vega Baja, Baix Vinalopó, Safor, and Ribera Alta. Its presence has currently been confirmed in municipalities of Alicante, Castellón, and Valencia.
To control this expansion, mandatory control measures have been established in both infested areas and buffer zones. In the affected areas, the application of phytosanitary treatments, installation of monitoring traps, and cleaning and disinfection of machinery and tools used will be required.
Regarding storage and distribution areas, the implementation of phytosanitary treatments for the eradication of the plague is required, as well as thorough control to ensure that the plant material is free from the harmful organism. In the buffer zones, intensive surveillance measures will be implemented, and inspections of tools, machinery, and vehicles will be carried out.
The Valencian Farmers Association (AVA - Asaja) has requested the Ministry of Agriculture to allocate a special line of aid to agricultural professionals, requesting financial payments or the distribution of phytosanitary products and traps. They argue that European authorities failed to meet their obligations by allowing the entry of the plague, and therefore request financial support to address this situation.
