Infestation of Agave angustifolia Haw. by Scyphophorus acupunctatus and Control Methods

Abstract

43 scientific articles were reviewed on pests that affect Agave plantations, primarily A. angustifolia, focusing on the incidence of the agave weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus), and the methods that have been applied for its control. The descriptions are complemented by photos obtained by the authors. Worldwide, there are 210 species of the genus Agave; of which 75% (159) are found in Mexico and of these, 129 are endemic. Various species of Agave are used as raw material to produce artisanal beverages of economic and cultural importance. The supply of Agave raw material to industries comes from plantations, although wild specimens are also collected and one of the main factors affecting commercial plantations is the damage caused by the insect known as the agave weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus), which causes economic losses. Various efforts made to reduce the population density of this pest include chemical control using insecticides belonging to the organophosphate group, which has been used since 1950 and is the most widespread method. Since 1990, the use of traps with pheromone attractants and food baits has been reported, which have been prioritized as an effective alternative for managing this pest. Likewise, since the 2000s, innovative techniques have been implemented using biological control through entomopathogenic fungi of the genera Verticillium spp. Pheromone trapping and biological control with entomopathogenic fungi are the most promising methods for the control and capture of agave weevils.