Grape Phylloxera Suspected in Tenerife: Plant Samples Sent for Analysis
Plant samples from Candelaria, Canary Islands, are being tested for grape phylloxera, prompting precautionary measures including vine removal and industry information sessions to control the pest's spread.
The Canary Islands' Plant Health Department has sent plant samples from Candelaria to the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for testing. These plants showed signs that could indicate grape phylloxera, a harmful pest. The NRL, which reports to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, will identify the specific organism present.
The Ministry stated that the NRL's analysis is essential for confirming the pest's identity on the private property.
As a precaution, experts from the General Directorate of Agriculture and GMR Canarias have already treated the plants. Following regional guidelines established in August 2025, all vines on the affected plot will be removed and burned under controlled conditions to combat the insect.
A survey of the surrounding area (within 500 meters) found no further signs of phylloxera. Overall, 98.5% of the 5,190 locations surveyed in Tenerife are free of phylloxera. The pest has been found in only 1.5% of locations, mainly in the northern part of the island, particularly in La Laguna and Tacoronte.
Currently, Tenerife is the only island in the Canary Islands where phylloxera has been detected.
After the Agriculture Service of the Cabildo de Tenerife reported potential phylloxera symptoms on a Candelaria farm on October 13th, the Ministry of Agriculture alerted the Valle de Güímar PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) about the possible presence of the pest in the area. However, the affected farm is not associated with any PDO in the Canary Islands.
The Candelaria City Council has been informed and is holding a meeting with the wine industry on October 21st to share information on controlling and eradicating phylloxera. Representatives from the Canary Islands Government and the Cabildo de Tenerife will also attend.
Since the first case of phylloxera was found in Tenerife, similar information sessions have been held across the archipelago. The Ministry, along with the Cabildo and local councils, organized meetings in various locations in July and August to explain how to identify symptoms and outline the measures to stop the pest's spread.
These talks, aimed at both wine professionals and the public, have also taken place on other islands with wine production (except La Graciosa) in September and October. The most recent was in Fuencaliente, La Palma.
The Ministry plans to hold another information session soon in El Hierro.