Given the situation in the main horticultural areas, Coexphal-Cajamar Technical Commission considers it necessary to "adopt exceptional management measures to reduce pest pressure and their impact on crops. Establishing new plantations with the lowest possible pest levels is a priority," they emphasized.
To achieve this, the Technical Commission has proposed implementing a biological shutdown, i.e., a complete temporary halt to agricultural production, "to significantly reduce the pest population present on farms." This involves stopping all crops except for seedbeds and ornamental crops.
"The main target organism is Thrips parvispinus, which affects pepper crops but is also found in aubergine, cucumber, courgette, melon, and watermelon," he emphasized.
General Conditions of the Biological Shutdown
- During the shutdown period, the greenhouse must be entirely cleared of crops and plant debris.
- Soil solarization is recommended whenever it is technically and economically feasible.
- The shutdown should occur at the end of the growing season, with specific dates adjusted based on the production area.
- The shutdown should last at least 20 consecutive days.
Crop Areas and Proposed Shutdown Dates
- Dalias: May 1 to May 25.
- Berja: Considering the watermelon plantings and the time required for harvest, May 10 to May 30.
- Adra: June 1 to June 20.
- El Ejido - La Mojonera: June 10 to June 30.
- Vícar- Roquetas: June 20 to July 15.
- Níjar - Almería: July 10 to July 30.
"We recognize that implementing this measure might lead to economic harm for some growers and companies. Nonetheless, the current phytosanitary situation is severe enough to justify extraordinary actions, which could be supported by targeted aid programs."
The Technical Commission deems it "essential" to implement the following supplementary and mandatory measures throughout the season:
- Implementing biological control systematically and properly in all spring crops.
- Managing humidity levels carefully in greenhouses. Maintaining humidity between 40% and 60% is crucial. These levels help slow the spread of pests, such as red spider mites, and support the growth and effectiveness of predatory mites and other natural enemies that help control populations of T. parvispinus and phytophagous mites from the start.
- Establishing well-planned biodiversity infrastructures inside and outside the glasshouse, including at least 14 different plant species. These infrastructures should cover at least 7-10% of the total cultivation area. The design (layout, chosen species, management) is essential for these infrastructures to effectively support the conservation of auxiliary fauna.
Coexphal provides technical assistance for designing and building these infrastructures.
The input from COITAAL and the agricultural councillors of the municipalities of Adra, Almería, Berja, Dalías, El Ejido, La Mojonera, Níjar, Roquetas de Mar, and Vícar was taken into account when preparing this document. All have shown support for the sector and, despite some individual differences, generally endorse the biological shutdown. The municipalities most affected by T. parvispinus fully support the shutdown.
The Technical Commission believes the shutdown should be implemented broadly across the entire agricultural sector, within the framework of interprofessional cooperation, and that it should be regulated by the Regional Ministry of Agriculture.
