Spain: Increased pests raise costs for Valencian citrus growers by 40%

The Valencian citrus growers have seen a significant increase in production costs, by 40%, due to the increased efforts to control pests and diseases. The main pests include the South African mealybug, Asian or red spider, and the recently introduced South African thrips. The IV Citrus Days of LA UNIÓ, which brought together over 300 professionals, underscored the importance of preventing pests at source and highlighted the need for more investment in plant health research. The event also covered various aspects of citrus cultivation, including the management of pests, improvements in setting and post-harvest extensions, and discussions on innovative and sustainable practices in citrus farming.

Greater control over increasing pests causes a 40% increase in costs for Valencian citrus growers The increased control over pests and diseases this past year has already caused a 40% increase in production costs for citrus growers in the Valencian Community, according to data from the Unió Llauradora. The cost per hanegada (acre) has now risen to 546 euros to combat, among other pests, the South African mealybug, the Asian or red spider and the more recent South African thrips, as well as the need to carry out at least three more treatments to combat them and the implementation of biological control through systems for releasing useful fauna. The fight against pests and diseases, most of them imported, was the main theme of the IV Citrus Days of LA UNIÓ, held last Thursday and Friday in the town of Betxí, with the participation of prominent speakers and the attendance of more than 300 professionals from the citrus industry of the Valencian Community and even from other producing ...