Colombia helps cassava growers tackle crop-damaging caterpillar

Cassava producers in Colombia's Magdalena department are learning how to protect their crops from the cassava hornworm (Erinnyis ello), a pest that can cause serious damage to plant foliage and affect yields. The Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA) recently organized a training session in Guamal after receiving a request for technical assistance from local farmers.

How the pest affects cassava

The cassava hornworm causes damage during its larval stage, when caterpillars feed on the plant's leaves. Heavy infestations can leave plants almost completely defoliated, limiting their ability to grow and develop normally.

Early identification is important because controlling the pest before its population increases can help prevent more extensive crop losses.

Farmers learn control methods

The session brought together 33 producers from Pampán, a rural community in Guamal. ICA specialists explained how to recognize signs of infestation and manage the pest through a combination of preventive and control measures.

ICA's technical guidance also covers regular field inspections, manual removal of eggs and caterpillars, biological control and the responsible use of registered pesticides when necessary.

Monitoring crops regularly allows farmers to identify changes in pest populations and respond before significant damage occurs.

Supporting local production

The training is part of ICA's broader work to improve phytosanitary management in cassava-growing areas. Alongside technical assistance, the institute carries out pest surveillance and promotes agricultural practices aimed at reducing crop-health risks.

For producers in Pampán, the session provided practical guidance on protecting their cassava fields and managing infestations more effectively.

source and photo: ica.gov.co