Leaf spot affects Valencian persimmon orchards

Valencian persimmon producers faced the expansion of the leaf spot (Mycosphaerella nawae), a fungus which weakens the trees and leads to heavy defoliation and fruit fall. 

 

According to the Valencian Association of Farmers (AVA-ASAJA), the area affected and the damage caused by the disease doubled compared to the previous season. In some fields they record the complete loss of the crop.

 

From the Association they believe that the explosion of the persimmon leaf spot is a result of the continuous accumulated rains at the beginning of autumn. Another negative factor is that the fungus has become resistant against fungicides that are still allowed.

 

The association urges the Ministry and the Department of Agriculture to develop before the end of the current campaign an effective strategy to combat diseases and pests of persimmon, which in Valencia alone will exceed 40 million euros of losses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

source: avaasaja.org, lasprovincias.es