EU detects more phytosanitary problems in South African citrus

Seven shipments of South African citrus were intercepted with citrus black spot in the European Union during July. The new cases bring the country’s total to 15 so far this year, according to AVA-ASAJA.

Six of the July interceptions involved lemons and one involved oranges. South Africa is still around the middle of its citrus export season to the EU, leaving several months of shipments ahead.

The Valencian farmers’ association is calling on the European Commission to strengthen measures against imports carrying Phyllosticta citricarpa. It argues that repeated interceptions increase the risk of the disease entering European citrus-growing areas.

South Africa was not the only supplier with phytosanitary problems in July. EU controls found black spot in eight citrus shipments from Argentina, including seven lemon lots and one orange lot.

Seven cases of citrus bacterial canker were detected in limes from Brazil, while another case was found in lemons from Uruguay. Citrus bacterial canker was also intercepted in shipments originating from Mexico, Indonesia and Vietnam.

source and photo: avaasaja.org