This disease, which leads to the pruning of trees, has been detected in 2024 crops that originated from nurseries certified by the Generalitat de Catalunya. The situation is causing concern among local farmers.
“"The lemon trees do not have normal development. The branches have no leaves, and the leaves are not normal; they are deformed and show this chlorosis."
The virus is transmitted to citrus fruits by insects and pruning tools, but only shows symptoms in lemon and lime trees. The affected plantations in Orihuela join seven others already contaminated in Baix Segura, some of which were certified by the Generalitat Valenciana.
“"Everything points to an illegal import. The most serious thing is that it allegedly arrived via nurseries. Someone did their job poorly."
Facing this problem, farmers feel a great sense of helplessness. Baix Segura accounts for 80% of the lime production in the Valencian Community, and this situation could jeopardize 350 million euros for the sector.
