Avocado growers battle deadly beetle in Malaga and Granada

Avocado farmers in the Malaga and Granada provinces of southern Spain are facing a tough time. A severe drought has been affecting their crops for the past five years, and now a new threat has emerged — a tiny beetle called Euwallacea fornicatus, also known as the ambrosia beetle.

This insect is so small that it is difficult to see with the naked eye. It was first noticed in 2023 on three farms in Motril, Granada. Since then, it has become a major concern for local farmers. The beetle and a fungus it carries have been declared an official pest by the regional government of Andalucia.

On February 12, 2025, Ramon Fernandez-Pacheco, the regional agricultural spokesperson, said the government is finalizing plans to offer compensation to farmers whose avocado crops are destroyed by the beetle. He assured that the process for applying for this support will be as quick as possible because the situation is a serious concern.

The authorities began taking action as soon as the beetle was suspected. In December 2023, they set up 25 traps around the affected farms. These traps help detect the beetle so that infected trees can be identified and removed quickly. Despite these efforts, the first beetles were not caught until the summer of 2024.

After confirming the beetle’s presence, the government worked with Motril’s town hall to inform farmers about the situation and what steps to take. By October 2024, the beetle had been found in an avocado plantation for the first time. Since then, regular monitoring and testing have continued.

In December 2024, the government officially declared the beetle a pest and outlined affected areas and necessary control measures. More traps were placed in December and January across parts of Granada, Malaga, and Huelva.

Farmers with infected crops must follow strict rules to prevent the beetle from spreading. This includes testing trees for the beetle, using approved pesticides, pruning or cutting down infected trees, and destroying plant waste. There are also restrictions on sharing farming equipment, containers, and vehicles. Tools and materials must be properly disinfected.

The situation remains worrying for avocado growers in the region, but the government is closely monitoring the problem and working with farmers to prevent further damage.

source: surinenglish.com

photo: ucanr.edu