Phylloxera Detected in the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands, previously considered free from the destructive pest known as phylloxera, have recently reported its first cases, specifically in two areas on Tenerife. This alarming discovery poses a serious threat to the islands’ distinctive lineage of ungrafted vineyards, integral to their wine heritage.
An emergency meeting held on August 8 was convened in Tenerife to address the situation, focusing on isolating the infected sites and preventing further spread. Growers were urged to monitor their vineyards closely.
The Canaries had been one of the few wine regions globally thought to be untouched by phylloxera, an insect notorious for attacking vine roots, which ultimately leads to the plants’ demise. Currently, there is no effective treatment for phylloxera, and the standard response involves grafting vines onto American rootstocks, which exhibit natural defenses against the pest. However, most vines in the Canary Islands are own-rooted, making them particularly vulnerable.
It is believed that the outbreak originated from a local resident planting infected vines, which then spread to an abandoned vineyard in Valle de Guerra. A subsequent case was reported in La Matanza de Acentejo. With numerous abandoned vineyards throughout the islands, producers are wary of the rapid dissemination of the pest without immediate action.
Agustín García Farráis from Bodegas Tajinaste expressed deep concern, stating, "We could lose a huge part of our own-rooted viticultural heritage." Producers from across the different wine-growing islands are working collaboratively to develop protocols to control the outbreak. The Association of Winegrowers and Winemakers of the Canary Islands (AVIBO) is actively advising all producers to report any signs of the pest and take stringent disinfecting measures during harvest.
Juan Jesús Méndez, president of DO Islas Canarias and a prominent winemaker, acknowledged the challenge presented by this outbreak while viewing it as an opportunity for growth in the sector. He emphasized the importance of protecting the islands’ ancient vineyards, which are essential to the region’s identity.
Younger generations, such as Méndez’s son Jorge, are equally committed to preserving this viticultural legacy, seeing the situation as a catalyst for better management and control of incoming species. The Canary Islands, with annual tourist visits ranging from 16 to 18 million, face an urgent need to push for tighter regulations to safeguard their 500-year-old winemaking heritage.