Senasa, Casafe launch guide for controlling locusts with agrochemicals in Argentina

By Leonardo Gottems, Reporter for AgroPages

A guide of recommendations for controlling locusts with agrochemical products was launched this month in Argentina. The National Service for Agri-food Health and Quality (Senasa) and the Chamber of Agricultural Health and Fertilizers (Casafe) jointly drafted the standards, which focuses on the responsible use of phytosanitary products and good agricultural practices.

The guide is result of the work and intervention of the government and the private sector, jointly carried out by both institutions for several years. It is also a response to the resurgence of the South American lobster, which caused an emergency situation in Argentina.

Héctor Medina (Coordinator of the National Program for Lobsters and Tucuras del Senasa) said, “When one talks about the management of locusts, the preventive management of the plague is of great importance, which consists of permanent surveillance and early control. In this sense, monitoring is key at all stages, including the monitoring of identified swarms, which will provide fundamental information for the proper management of treatments with phytosanitary products. This will also ensure correct decision-making at the most appropriate times, as well as to carry them out and minimize risks, all under the framework of integrated pest management and the responsible use of phytosanitary products.”

Federico Elorza de Casafe stated, “In the document, different critical moments were identified to consider, as it is very important to take the necessary precautions when using phytosanitary products. The process begins prior to going to the field and ends with the return of monitoring and control teams.”

The guide is intended for anyone involved in controlling locusts who are working within the framework of the guidelines of Senasa’s National Locust Program, as well as for operators of various spray systems. For them, this guide aims to be an important standard, with an emphasis for those who work in ground control, to ensure the responsible use of phytosanitary products to control these pests.

Link to the guide: https://bit.ly/3hTawoJ