Filoxera Inspections in Tenerife Detect 63 Positive Cases
Latest Findings and Measures
Inspections carried out in Tenerife have identified 63 cases of phylloxera, although none have affected roots or soil. The findings are isolated, with some instances impacting only a single leaf or plant, as seen in La Matanza and Tejina.
The Canarian Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Food Sovereignty, Narvay Quintero, informed the media that by Tuesday, a total of 3,330 inspections had been completed. Of these, 132 were conducted on roots and 96 on soil, none of which returned positive results.
Quintero emphasised that control measures, including restrictions on the movement of plant materials and grapes, have complicated the grape harvest. However, the primary objective remains “to save the crop and prevent the spread of the pest.”
Support and Control Efforts
The Minister expressed gratitude for the cooperation of local viticulturists and assured that, at present, the situation is “contained.” In a related discussion in Congress, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, Luis Planas, relayed a message of “calm and effectiveness” regarding the pest. He noted that the central government is “applying European and Spanish regulations,” which will facilitate the replanting of removed vineyards, supported by European funding.
Meanwhile, Coalición Canaria MP, Cristina Valido, urged the government to strengthen phytosanitary controls at Canary Islands’ ports and airports to prevent the entry of new pests. She stressed that protecting local production depends on addressing deficiencies in border controls.
