Cabildo urges heightened vigilance against phylloxera, a grapevine plague
The Island Council of Fuerteventura has issued an urgent appeal for “maximum vigilance” against grape phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae) after the parasite was confirmed in the Valle Guerra area of La Laguna (Tenerife) at the end of July.
Although no cases have been found on the island of Fuerteventura, the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries warns that the pest is extremely serious and urges all farmers and viticulturists to inspect their vines for symptoms and report any suspicions immediately.
Phylloxera is an insect parasite that attacks primarily the roots and, in some instances, the leaves of grapevines. If left untreated, it can weaken and kill a vineyard within two to five years. While the parasite does not affect wine quality, it poses a major economic and landscape threat to Canary Island viticulture.
“Early detection is the key to an effective response,” the council emphasized, urging growers to act swiftly.
Reporting channels
Island Council Agriculture Unit (Puerto del Rosario)
- Phone: +34 928 532 035
- Phone: +34 928 531 184
- Email: [email protected]
- Email: [email protected]
Regional Agency (Gran Tarajal)
- Phone: +34 928 870 782
- Email: ext_[email protected]
Preventive measures
- Do not move tools, soil, or plant material between plots.
- Look for the following warning signs:
- Galls or nodules on roots
- Lesions or swellings on leaves
- General plant weakening
The council stresses that any suspicion must be communicated without delay to activate the phytosanitary protocol and contain the spread of the parasite.