BEHAVIOR AND DAMAGE OF GOPHERS IN A BANANA PRODUCING AREA IN TABASCO.

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.973562507012

• Palavras-chave: Tunnels, mounds, integrated management, population density.

• Keywords: Tunnels, mounds, integrated management, population density.

• Abstract:

  The gourd (Geomydae; Orthogeomys) is currently not considered a pest of economic importance and is not part of Epidemiological Surveillance Campaigns in Mexico, however, field damage is significant and the scenario in banana producing areas and other crops is alarming. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the behavior and damage caused by Orthogeomys spp. to male plantain plants c.v criollo in a plantain producing area in Tabasco. The methodology consisted of recording the activity of the gophers, counting the number of mounds, recording the dimensions of the tunnels and evaluating the damage to plants. The results showed that the number of overturned plants does not necessarily coincide with the total number of mounds per affected area, but any gopher activity can be capable of causing damage. It was testified that tuza is not a seasonal pest and can cause damage all year round, therefore, the intervention for its control in the banana crop should be permanent and not temporary. Finally, it is important to consider that plant population density, the type of banana species, the state of development of the crop, soil management, neighboring crops and the work that the latter receive, are related to the activity of rodents at certain times.