Tucura vacuum cleaner: the innovative Patagonia device that transforms pests into protein

In the locality of El Pedregoso, in the commune of El Hoyo (Chubut), the cooperative COSERTEC presented a revolutionary prototype: a "tucura vacuum" that collects live Bufonacris claraziana insects and transforms them into flour with 70% protein. The device is based on a conventional backpack sprayer with minimal modifications. According to Omar Ferracuti, a representative of COSERTEC, any producer can install and operate it in just 10 minutes in the field. The objective is twofold: to reduce the density of the pest without agrochemicals and to generate a profitable bioinput. "With small modifications, we managed to transform a sprayer into a tucura vacuum. The insect remains alive, as required by INTA for its process," explained Ferracuti. Why did the tucura sapo become a national emergency? The SENASA declared a Phytosanitary Alert through Resolution 816/2025 (effective until March 31, 2026) for Río Negro, Chubut, and Santa Cruz. Chubut had already declared an Agricultural and ...