Coffee leaf miner demands integrated management

The coffee leaf miner, an insect of the species Leucoptera coffeella, is one of the main pests that compromise coffee cultivation in Brazil, especially in periods of hot and dry weather. According to agricultural engineer and agro-technician Maria Luisa Teixeira, the caterpillars attack the leaf parenchyma of the plants, opening galleries known as mines, which reduce the photosynthetic area and cause intense defoliation. The result is a drop in productivity and the weakening of the plants, also affecting the next crop. The control of this pest must be conducted in an integrated and preventive manner, combining monitoring techniques, biological control, and cultural management. Frequent monitoring of the crop allows for the early identification of increased infestation and the definition of the correct time to adopt control measures. The rational application of selective insecticides is recommended only when necessary, avoiding ecological imbalance and the elimination of natural ...