Blasting Almond trees with noise in Jalon

SOUND therapy may help cure a plague affecting almond trees in Jalon.

The regional government has received its 10th update regarding the Xylella Fastidiosa bacterium affecting local almond trees.

This coincided with an Alicante University team’s announcement that it is investigating radiofrequencies and ultrasound to eradicate the plagues – including Xylella Fastidiosa – that affect crops. 

The insect-spread bacterium, that destroys trees from the inside, reached the Spanish mainland two years ago in Guadalest in the Marina Baja before affecting the Marina Alta and El Comtat inland.

The Generalitat initially followed EU directives for its eradication, uprooting and destroying affected trees and all those within a 100-metre radius.

This was opposed from the outset by agricultural growers as well as town halls, including those if Halon and Alcalali, appalled at the destruction of picturesque municipalities whose economies count on weekend tourism.

There have been several attempts throughout the province at preventing diggers and wood-chipper machines from entering affected plots of land and doing their worst but although protesters have halted the destruction, this has only ever been temporary.

Although the Generalitat has recently relaxed the stringent measures, there are still fines of up to €3 million for non-compliance.

Regarding the Alicante University research, Juan Manuel Garcia Chamizo, professor of Information Technology said it was still early to talk about species.

“We don’t want to raise unfounded hopes,” he warned.