Even though temperatures have dropped and the season has been delayed for a few weeks to prevent pests, producers have already detected the first active outbreaks of viruses in Almeria, both in the Níjar area and some greenhouses in the Poniente.
Zucchini crops in the eastern part of the province, especially in Nijar, are affected by the New Delhi and Cucurbit aphid-borne yellows viruses. New Delhi severely damages the plant and its fruit production, with clear symptoms such as intense curling and crinkling of the leaves and yellowing similar to the mosaic virus in zucchini. On the other hand, the Cucurbit aphid-borne yellow virus, transmitted by aphids in a non-persistent way, is an emerging virus in cucurbit plants in temperate and Mediterranean regions.
Carmen Ferre, a Hortofrucoop technician, told Diario de Almería that these viruses are causing considerable damage in several greenhouses in Níjar. "Producers have had to uproot many plantations because they were full of bugs. Many farmers have not even been able to harvest and have completely uprooted the plants," she said. "We recommend producers that uproot all of their plants to change crops to try to break the chain of transmission. This must be done, especially in organic farming, because there's not much that can be done to thoroughly clean the greenhouse structures of these pests."
These have been the most problematic viruses at the beginning of this season. However, cucumber crops are showing symptoms of yellowing. The Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (TBRFV), which has caused havoc in previous campaigns, is being closely monitored. At the moment there are no signs of it, although some plants are showing sporadic symptoms without directly affecting the fruit.
In the Poniente, growers have detected cases of Thrips parvispinus in pepper crops. However, its presence is not yet dominant. Technicians are keeping a close watch to control this species which can slow the plant's normal growth.
Source: diariodealmeria.es