The strategy launched by the Valencian Regional Government to combat the Citrus yellow vein chlorosis virus (CYVCV) is yielding positive results in the province of Castellón. Following several months of inspections, monitoring and preventive measures, the disease remains confined mainly to the Baix Vinalopó and Vega Baja districts of Alicante, with no significant new outbreaks having been detected in Castellón.
This virus, which particularly affects the lemon tree, there is no cure. Once a positive case has been confirmed, the most effective measure to prevent its spread is to remove the affected trees. Although orange and mandarin trees do not usually show symptoms, they can act as hosts for the virus, which makes constant monitoring essential.
A control device that remains active
Since the first cases were detected in late 2025, the Regional Ministry of Agriculture has stepped up its monitoring efforts through inspections of farms, checks on plant material sold by nurseries, and regular meetings with agricultural organisations and representatives of the citrus sector.
According to the assessment carried out by the regional government, hundreds of inspections have been carried out to date, and new positive cases continue to be concentrated in the main lemon-growing areas of the province of Alicante. In Castellón, where a few isolated cases were detected in the Baix Maestrat at the start of the year, the situation remains stable thanks to the containment measures put in place.
Prevention: the best tool
The fight against emerging diseases such as CYVCV highlights the importance of prevention and collaboration between farmers, nursery owners, cooperatives and public authorities.
The recommended measures include, in particular:
- Always use certified plant material.
- Disinfect pruning tools properly.
- Keep an eye out for any suspicious symptoms.
- Report any suspected cases to the plant health authorities.
Early detection remains the best way to prevent the spread of this type of disease and safeguard the future of citrus farming in Valencia.
More information
If you would like to find out all the details about the progression of this disease and the measures taken by the Valencian Regional Government, you can read the article published by Castellón Plaza:
