Citrus borer in the farm! Antibiotic in the pharmacy.

What powder is that?

One of these days, I got these pictures from a friend, the guy has a very nice blog about health (Portal esfera humana), and he had a doubt:
Medina, we've lost 2 orange trees here, what is this powder, what is it?








It is a pest, a larva of a beetle (family Cerambycidae) that makes galleries inside the trunk and the branches of the plants, causing death to the plant when not controlled (and produces the sawdust).
In addition to attacking the citrus (orange, lemon and etc.) it also attacks plants of avocado, plum, pear, peach, cherry, fig, guava and others.

When it attacks the branches (Diploschema rotundicolle), one of the main control measures is basically to cut off these branches and burn them. So focus on the plants, if you have any branch drying, showing those holes and saw dust falling, eliminate them by burning them.

Beware that the smoke produced by the burning of citrus plants can cause allergy in some people, as these plants have a high concentration of terpenoids.

On the other hand if the attack occurs in the trunk (Trachyderes thoracicus), cutting the whole plant and burning it may not be the best option.
First, identify the holes where the larva makes its galleries, locate the larger holes and where it is noticed the greater presence of sawdust and feces of the larva. In these larger and more recent holes is where to focus control of the pest.
The most effective way to control this pest in the trunk is by using an aluminum phosphide based product.

Obs: Remembering that there is a recommendation for how to apply, use of personal protective equipment, dose to be used, way to store the product, appropriate way to discard the packaging, time in which the area must remain without the entrance of people and etc. Find an agronomist to get income and other instructions.
In advance, I say that you should never apply more than 30 grams of the product per plant.

Finally, there is a whole discussion on the use of chemicals in agriculture. Really they are dangerous if used by irresponsible people. Use of exaggerated dosages, lack of rotation of active principles cause resistance of pests and diseases, as well as poor human health and the environment. It's exactly the same when someone goes to a pharmacy and buys antibiotics without a prescription, is creating resistant bacteria. When people discard electronics without the proper concern that they are spreading harmful metals in nature.

I would like to conclude by saying that it is a question of morality or lack of it, because the enchanted world of organic food unfortunately, today and with the current technology, is not possible to support so many people. Only for those who can afford it.

Cheers!
See you soon folks!

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