The ICA declared official control pests in the cultivation of avocado and establishes management and control measures

Bogotá, March 02, 2016. The Colombian Agricultural Institute, ICA declared 3 insects as official control pests in the cultivation of avocado (Persea americana Miller) and 2 for management and control in Colombia.
 
It is about the seed borer known as Heilipus lauri Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), seed borer called Heilipus trifasciatus (Fabricius) and fruit, seeds and branches borer, Stenoma catenifer Walsingham (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae.
 
“Given that these pests are present in the National territory generating a negative economic impact on avocado production, because it restricts access of fresh fruits to new markets and represents a high spreading risk, it becomes necessary to regulate them in order to exercise official control and establish phytosanitary measures for its management, "said Luis Humberto Martinez Lacouture, ICA general manager.
 
In Colombia the avocado (Persea americana Miller) crops are exposed to phytosanitary risks, because in these plantations can be generated or already exist favorable environmental conditions for pests development at high risk of generating epidemics, a proper management must be performed in order to prevent.
 
All natural or legal persons who grown and/or possess plants or vegetable avocado material in the country must implement phytosanitary measures related to pest monitoring, pest management, mobilization of plant material and report the ICA about the presence of regulated pests.
 
The resolution 1507 of February 22, 2016, which declares official control pests in the cultivation of avocado Persea americana Miller and establishes measures for management and control, can be found on the website of the Institute:
www.ica.gov.co.