In 2021, Panamanian cucurbits will fill up the markets of the United States.

The United States facilitated the entry policy for melon, watermelon and pumpkin from Panama, which before had to pass a control to detect the South American fly Anastrepha grandis, reports Olegh Aguilar, the National Director of Plant Health of the Ministry of Agricultural Development.

He explained that the South American cucurbit fly or the Anastrepha grandis fly is a quarantine pest for the United States. For Panama it was the same until it appeared in the territory between Chepo and Darien.

The plant health technicians carried out a process to identify control points, where they have placed traps with attractants to capture them, and during 68 consecutive months there was no fly detected in the areas reviewed.

The year 2021 has to be a very good one for cucurbits and other Panamanian fruits like pineapple and bananas. When compared to fruits from other countries, Panamanian fruits stand out as ones with the highest levels of brix, soluble solids, aroma, color and sweetness. Panamanian fruits usually are the first to sell out in the markets.

source: mida gob pa