peach-palm domestic producers are alert to the threat of a plague known as picudo del pejibaye (peach palm weevil). Areas such as Tucurrique, Pérez Zeledón and the Caribbean are among the most affected ones.
According to the State Phytosanitary Service (SFE), the plague entered through a product from Panama to be used in cattle food. Authorities later found that several fruits were affected. As a result, they are taking measures to reduce the impact of this pest, which is called Palmelampius heinrichi O’Brien.
According to Marco Vinicio Jiménez, director of the institution, authorities have been studying the situation and they are trying to set up a training plan in these areas in order to deal with this situation.
Jiménez also explained that they are instructing people to keep clean plantations with the goal of reaping the fruits from the soil. In addition, it is requested to bag the fruits to prevent the pest attack.