Spain 15/11/2023

Crisis in tomato cultivation in Murcia

 

Tomato growers in the region of Murcia (Spain) are on the verge of abandoning their activity. According to Remigio Ávila, Tomato Department in Asaja, many have experienced considerable losses, at least 40%, due to the rugosa virus (ToBRFV); "Some have even suffered 100% losses," he says.

Faced with this critical situation, several companies have been forced to close, and there are already those contemplating the possibility of changing tomatoes for other crops, such as cucumbers or zucchini. In addition, he highlights the importance of using varieties resistant to the pest. He accuses a certain company of having "scammed" them by selling them supposedly resistant seeds that turned out to be infected with the rugosa virus shortly after being planted. 

The virus is not the only problem, heat also plays a crucial role. Last summer was particularly difficult, as it was hot during the day and night. This caused excessive stress on the tomato plants, which could not recover overnight. This situation lasted for fifty days and nights, as confirmed by José Martínez, president of Asaja in the Region. Ávila estimates that losses due to heat ranged between 20% and 30% of production.

In summary, the total losses, caused by the virus and the heat, are around 70% of the crops. Although the Ministry of Agriculture predicts a decrease in hectares dedicated to tomatoes in the region this year, Ávila does not consider it to be the end of the crop in the area. However, he recognizes that at least a couple of difficult years are ahead.