"Spain: "Almeria has the world's largest greenhouse acreage with almost no phytosanitary treatments"

Around 26,600 hectares of greenhouse fruit and vegetables protected with biological control methods will be grown in the province of Almeria in the 2014-2015 season, according to estimates from the Provincial Delegation of the Council of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment. If these prospects are confirmed, this will entail a slight 0.5% increase in the acreage compared to the 2013-2014 campaign, in which biological control methods have been applied in 26,440 hectares, according to estimations from the Government of Andalusia.

This consolidates the province of Almeria as "the area with the world's largest greenhouse acreage with almost no pesticide treatments," which are only used "when they are strictly necessary," as highlighted by the territorial delegate of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment, José Manuel Ortiz. This slight increase in the acreage with biological control methods is mainly due to tomatoes, which have grown from 8,820 to 9,160 hectares in a year; an increase of nearly 4%, which "compensates for minor decreases expected in peppers, watermelons, cucumbers and melons. "It is estimated that more than 82% of all tomato plantations will be grown with biological pest control methods."

As for watermelons, it is estimated that about 1,450 hectares will be cultivated, about 30 less than in 2013. For aubergines, 1,160 hectares are expected, about 20 more than last year; for courgettes, about 50 more, from 940 to 990, while green beans remain stable, with about 145 hectares.