Abstract

MONGE-MEZA, Javier. El impacto de las taltuzas en el cultivo de banano. Agron. Mesoam [online]. 2011, vol.22, n.1, pp.167-174. ISSN 2215-3608.

Impact of the pocket gophers in banana crops. This document refers to the problem of gophers (Orthogeomys spp) in banana cultivation in Costa Rica. Different literature sources agree that this rodent causes significant damage to this crop, which can reach 50% loss. By overlaying maps of gophers distribution and the banana-producing areas, areas of coincidence of the presence of some species of gopher with banana production were identified. We analyzed the characteristics of the banana agro-ecosystems and its impact on the use of some signs that demonstrate the presence of gophers, especially the mounds made by extending their tunnel systems. Finally, we refer to various techniques that have been used to control this rodent, as well as the importance of addressing the current legislation, because even when the gophers are considered pests, they are part of the wildlife, which is protected.

Keywords : Vertebrate pest; rodent; distribution maps; Orthogeomys spp.

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