Central American countries are being warned to remain vigilant against locust outbreaks, which pose a significant threat to both fruit and vegetable crops, as well as staple grains. The organization has highlighted the potential for 80 million Central American locusts to emerge, with the capacity to devour 100 tons of crops daily, putting nations such as Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica at risk. This situation demands close monitoring due to the potential for extensive damage to a wide range of agricultural products.
El Salvador, in particular, faces a heightened risk as it could see further declines in the production of basic grains and vegetables. The country's climatic conditions this year have shifted from a five-month drought to a period of intense rains, creating an ideal environment for locust proliferation. These pests, capable of migrating over 150 kilometers in a day, threaten not only basic grain crops but also up to 400 plant species. Their diet, consuming 70% to 100% of their body weight in fresh material daily, includes a wide variety of crops, extending from basic grains to fruits such as mango, citrus, banana, avocado, and more.
The threat of these locusts is not new to the region, with their presence recorded in 2020, emphasizing the ongoing concern for agricultural communities. Countries within Central America are advised to prepare and respond effectively to mitigate the potential devastation these locust outbreaks could cause to their agricultural sectors, affecting everything from staple grains to vital fruit and vegetable crops.
Source: Presna Latina