The Association of Friends of Wine and Cheese of Lanzarote has publicly shown its concern given the threat that could be posed by the possible introduction in Lanzarote of the phylloxera pest, currently located on the island of Tenerife. As it has warned in a press release, the association has held two talks in the municipalities of Haría and Tinajo, which were attended by the oenologist Alberto González Plasencia.
Likewise, they have highlighted that phylloxera is one of the most devastating pests for the vine and that its arrival in Lanzarote could put at risk "a unique wine heritage, both from an agricultural and cultural point of view."
For this reason, they have conveyed a series of preventive measures to minimize the risk of introduction and spread of this pest on the island. In accordance with Alberto González's recommendations, they have proposed:
1. Burn in a controlled manner all pruning and cleaning remains from the vineyard on the same plot, do not move them to roads or landfills.
2. Avoid the introduction of vine plants, shoots, or plant material from other islands or territories without the corresponding phytosanitary controls. Especially if they come from Tenerife.
3. Maximize the cleaning and disinfection of footwear, tools, and agricultural machinery when working on other plots.
4. Limit as much as possible the transfer of soil or substrates from other farms or islands.
5. Maintain active surveillance in the plots and report any anomaly or suspicious symptom in the vines to the authorities or agricultural technicians, especially to detect galls or swellings on leaves as soon as possible, particularly during spring and summer when the leaves are tender.
6. Promote information and awareness among winegrowers and visitors about the importance of protecting our vineyard.
The association has indicated that, in case of detecting any symptom, the Cabildo Farm or the Regulatory Council should be notified quickly.
From the Association of Friends of Wine and Cheese of Lanzarote, a call has been made for collective responsibility and the collaboration of all to preserve the uniqueness and value of the island's vineyards.