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We get involved in the mite issue
The cultivation of avocado (Persea americana) in the Canary Islands is among the first positions worldwide after Mexico, Peru and Guatemala, in terms of quality of production. With a yield of over 8,000 kg per hectare, the Canary Islands are among the Top 10 world producers and in fourth position in terms of exporting countries, making it a crop of great potential and of special interest as a gateway for export to Europe (with the United Kingdom, France and the Netherlands as the main European consumers).
Since 2014 the reality of the crop became clear, according to the Government of the Canary Islands, to be able to meet the strong demand for production both locally, as peninsular and European level. With an established area of 1,239 ha (2014 data), the crop has been growing year after year and is currently presented as the second potential crop in the Canary Islands after bananas.
Avocado production is currently facing a serious problem due to attacks by the crystalline mite (Oligonychus perseae), native to Mexico, which has caused large economic losses year after year since it was identified in 2006. High populations of this pest cause leaf drop (from 100 individuals per leaf), which exposes the fruit to direct sunlight and can cause the so-called “sun strike”. The Hass variety is the most vulnerable, while the Fuerte variety is more tolerant to this pest. Although sulfur has been used as the main tool for controlling this pest, fruit spotting makes it necessary to use new alternatives for crop protection.
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Last year 2015, the Cabildo de Tenerife conducted several trials to evaluate the effectiveness of different products of natural origin in the control of this pest on the island of Tenerife; where our product Cinamite®, certified as an input suitable for organic farming by Agrocolor, had a very high control rate as an alternative for the protection of avocado (93%). In addition, Cinamite® was respectful of the auxiliary fauna present throughout the treatment (Neoseiulus californicus and Euseius stipulatus).
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That is why at Blue Heron we are proud to offer avocado growers our best solution (Cinamite® + Avenger®), as a safe and residue-free alternative to synthetic chemicals, to minimize the damage caused by this pest. Securing the crop, protecting your plants, respecting the environment and you.
