Canary Islands Crafting Comprehensive Strategy to Combat Phylloxera in Vineyards

The government of the Canary Islands is taking decisive action to formulate a strategic plan aimed at tackling the pressing challenges posed by phylloxera, a notorious pest threatening local vineyards. This initiative comes in response to growing concerns among agricultural stakeholders about the potential impact of the pest on the region’s wine industry.

Narvay Quintero, the Agriculture Councillor, has announced that the strategic plan will be developed with the support of a scientific committee. This committee is currently engaged in evaluating the ongoing phylloxera outbreak that has been affecting crops, particularly in Tenerife. The government anticipates that this comprehensive strategic initiative will be finalized by the end of the current year, providing a roadmap for mitigating the pest’s effects.

Inspection Efforts Yield Critical Data

During a recent parliamentary session, Quintero addressed inquiries from Coalición Canaria MP Francisco Linares regarding the extensive inspection efforts currently underway. To date, a total of 5,499 inspections have been conducted across Tenerife, with an additional 300 inspections performed on other islands in the archipelago. These rigorous efforts have led to the identification of 84 confirmed cases of phylloxera, all of which are confined to the island of Tenerife. Notably, inspections that focused specifically on root systems have not revealed any positive cases, which raises questions about the nature of the infestation.

The data gathered from these inspections is invaluable, as it provides a clearer picture of the spread and impact of phylloxera in the region. Quintero emphasized the importance of these findings in shaping the strategic plan, which aims to safeguard the local wine industry from the devastating effects of this pest.

Investigating the Nature of Phylloxera

Quintero expressed optimism about the scientific committee’s ability to provide a robust scientific and technical foundation for understanding the phylloxera situation in the Canary Islands. This includes crucial insights into how and when the pest may have entered the region, particularly given that over 90% of the positive cases have been identified in abandoned agricultural land. This raises concerns about the potential for the pest to spread further if not addressed promptly.

In addition, Quintero highlighted the necessity for the committee to determine whether the current biotype of the aphid is the same as the one that existed 150 years ago or if it has undergone mutations. The unusual nature of the current infestation is noteworthy, as it appears not to be targeting the roots of the plants, which is typically where phylloxera is most destructive. This deviation from the norm necessitates further investigation to understand the pest’s behavior and its implications for local vineyards.

Furthermore, Quintero underscored the importance of exploring whether the infestation is spreading through the air and the rate at which this may be occurring. Understanding any unique adaptation patterns of the phylloxera in the Canary Islands is deemed essential for developing effective control measures. The findings from the scientific committee will be integral to the strategic plan, which aims to provide clarity and support for the wine sector in the archipelago.

As the Canary Islands work to address this agricultural challenge, the collaboration between government officials and scientific experts will be crucial. The strategic plan is expected to not only outline immediate actions to combat the phylloxera threat but also establish long-term strategies for vineyard sustainability and resilience against future pest invasions.

Key points

• The Canary Islands government is developing a strategic plan for vineyards due to phylloxera concerns.
• Narvay Quintero is leading the initiative, which will involve a scientific committee.
• 5,499 inspections have been conducted in Tenerife, with 84 positive cases identified.
• No positive cases have been found in root inspections.
• Over 90% of positive cases are located in abandoned land.
• The scientific committee will investigate the historical context and potential mutations of the aphid.
• Findings will inform a strategic plan aimed at supporting the local wine industry.