Yesterday, the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (Minagri) stated that the incurable plague of citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) and the insect that transmits it, which can be found in neighboring countries, had not entered Peru by the northern border. Through the National Agrarian Health Service (SENASA), the Minagri made a call to maintain calm before versions of the entry of infected lime, which would arrive by the border crossing of Tumbes.
"The limes that are moving to the south of our territory are of national origin, according to documentation from the Regional Directorate of Agriculture (DRA)," emphasized the Minagri.
The HLB, also known as the yellow dragon disease because of the color that characterizes it, causes the death of trees, deforms fruits, and affects the fruits' coloring and taste, for example the sweet oranges become bitter. In addition, the fruits fall from the trees before time, affecting fruit production.
Furthermore, the affected plants must be destroyed, generating economic losses to the affected countries, from Asia to America.
Limes, oranges, tangerines and other Peruvian citrus fruits are free of this disease, which is not transmitted between fruits, but can enter the country through a plant, bud, or through the transmitting insect (Diaphorina citri).
Senasa performs controls and takes samples to rule out the presence of the Diaphorina citri insect or the Huanglongbing disease.
Source: andina.pe
