The avocado sector in Spain's Malaga and Granada provinces faces a new challenge with the detection of the Euwallacea fornicatus, known as the ambrosia beetle. First identified in Motril in 2023, this insect has been declared a pest by the Junta de Andalucía's agriculture department. The regional government, led by spokesperson Ramón Fernández-Pacheco, is finalizing procedures for compensating affected subtropical fruit farms.
Fernández-Pacheco emphasized the urgency of implementing compensation measures promptly, highlighting the beetle's impact on the region. The Junta initiated efforts in December 2023 with the installation of 25 traps in response to initial suspicions of the beetle's presence in ornamental trees in Motril. These traps aim to detect the beetle and facilitate intensive surveys in affected areas, allowing for the identification and eradication of impacted trees.
The first beetles in Andalucía were captured in the summer of 2024, prompting compliance with pest notification regulations and the organization of technical conferences with Motril town hall to inform the agricultural sector about necessary measures. By October 2024, the Andalusian government confirmed the beetle's presence in an avocado plantation, leading to ongoing monitoring and testing in the region.
Official declarations in December confirmed the pest's existence, affected areas, and required measures. The Junta continues monitoring with new traps in Granada, Malaga, and Huelva provinces. Phytosanitary measures for affected farms include sampling for beetle presence, authorized phytosanitary treatments, and control measures. This includes pruning and destroying affected plant material, limiting the sharing of agricultural vehicles and equipment, and ensuring proper disinfection of tools and materials.
Source: SUR