Quality management in the event of pest infestation
The current Clemenules campaign in the province of Castellón is unfolding in a challenging context due to the increased presence of red spider mites (Tetranychus urticae). This situation has increased the volume of fruit that does not meet commercial aesthetic standards, requiring much more rigorous selection in warehouses. For cooperatives and producers, the main objective remains to ensure that the final product maintains its usual excellence, even if this means greater effort in sorting and grading processes to separate affected fruit.
Climate factors and regulatory adaptation
The proliferation of this mite is due to a combination of factors that complicate its control in the field. The high temperatures recorded during the fall, unusually warm for the season, have favored the reproductive cycle of the pest. Added to this is the challenge of adapting crops to current European regulations, which restrict the use of certain active substances and plant protection products. Citrus growers are in the process of transitioning to new forms of pest management, seeking a balance between plant health and environmental requirements.
Impact on production and sector response
The direct effect of this incidence is an increase in the percentage of “waste,” that is, fruit that, although it maintains its internal organoleptic qualities, is not suitable for sale as fresh produce due to damage to the skin. This reality poses a challenge to the profitability of farms, as various agricultural organizations have pointed out. However, the citrus sector in Castellón continues to work on finding strategies to minimize these losses in future seasons, focusing on research and continuous improvement in cultivation techniques.
Source of the news: You can read the full story at Castellón Plaza: The red spider mite triggers the destruction of clemenules and adds to the concerns of citrus growers.
