Unexpected whitefly attack on vegetable crops worries producers in Los Negros, Bolivia

Vegetable producers in Los Negros face difficulties due to the lack of consistent rainfall. When it rains continuously, the rain fights insects and reduces the spread of diseases, which protects crops. However, when rainfall is occasional, it can accelerate whitefly multiplication, posing an additional challenge for farmers. Therefore, the increase in the cost of production is due to the application of chemicals and bioinputs to control the proliferation of whiteflies and other pests. Furthermore, these irregular weather conditions cause considerable crop losses. Ademar Álvarez, a vegetable producer in Los Negros, indicated that in this town they are being attacked by the whitefly, a small sucking insect that can cause great damage to crops by extracting food from the plant and transmitting diseases. He added that the pest behaves according to temperature, humidity and rainfall. For example, the heat wave felt in the department of Santa Cruz has caused abnormal behavior in these ...