Valencia activates containment plan after CYVCV detection

Authorities of the Valencian Community, Spain, have activated preventive and control measures following the detection of citrus yellow vein clearing virus (CYVCV) in orchards and nurseries across Valencia and Castellón.

Actions include reinforced field inspections, vector monitoring, intensive sampling of propagation material, and precautionary restrictions on affected nursery facilities. Technical briefings and training for growers and nursery operators are also being rolled out, while plant health services and IVIA researchers step up surveillance and diagnostic work.

AVA-ASAJA said the outbreak exposes vulnerabilities in plant import controls and called for tighter EU inspections on horticultural and ornamental material at origin and border entry points.

First identified in Pakistan in 1988 and now present in countries including the United States and Italy, CYVCV primarily impacts lemons, limes, and sour oranges. Symptoms include yellow vein clearing, leaf and fruit deformation, and yield losses of up to 40% in severe cases.

Sweet oranges and mandarins can carry the virus without symptoms, acting as reservoirs. Transmission occurs via aphids, whiteflies, grafting, and contaminated pruning tools. The pathogen is not currently regulated as a quarantine pest in the EU but has been listed on the EPPO alert register since 2022.

source and photo: avaasaja.org