Córdoba almond harvest reduced by red spider mite infestation

The almond harvest in Spain's Córdoba province has begun with an estimated 5‑10% drop in output compared with the forecast. ASAJA Córdoba projected a total of about 11,000 tonnes – roughly 30% more than the previous year – after favorable autumn, winter and early‑spring rains boosted water reserves.

The decline is attributed to a surge of the red spider mite, which has caused leaf loss and reduced yields, and to the spread of the capnodis tenebrionis (gusano cabezudo) that has killed almond trees. ASAJA Córdoba reports a loss of more than 2,500 hectares of almond orchard area over the past two years.

ASAJA Córdoba president Fernando Adell has asked the Junta de Andalucía and Spain's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for emergency authorisations of additional active treatments and specific aid to help growers mitigate the pest damage and protect the upcoming season's crop.