From tree killing beetles to crop disease: Central America's struggles with drought

Honduran conservationists are worried. A deadly insect that wiped out more than a quarter of the Central American country's conifers between 2013 and 2017 is back.

The gorgojo's reappearance comes as the region is facing a dry spell that has ruined crops and forced drinking water to be rationed. On the outskirts of the Honduras capital Tegucigalpa, traps have been placed around a woodland area to monitor the return of the insect.Trees with low water reserves are particularly susceptible as they are unable to produce sufficient resin, a natural defense against attack.

In the United States, one report claimed it caused an estimated $900 million of damage to pine forests between 1960 and 1990.Elsewhere in the region, drought is already taking its toll on crops and water sources. Some parts of Honduras, including the capital, are facing water shortages, with running water available only every fourth day due to the low level of two dams.

Some 300,000 Costa Ricans faced water shortages, a number that could increase according to Alex Solis, head of the national emergencies commission.Costa Rica's agriculture ministry fears an infestation of insects that affects fruit plantations could return, as it has elsewhere in Central America.That's the case with the gorgojo. Once it infests a tree, it has to be cut down to stop the spread of the plague, says Castro.

Health Health Latest News, Health Health Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

From tree killing beetles to crop disease: Central America's struggles with droughtHonduran conservationists are worried. A deadly insect that wiped out more than a quarter of the Central American country's conifers between 2013 ...
Source: ChannelNewsAsia - 🏆 6. / 66 Read more »

Light physical activity tied to lower heart disease risk in senior women(Reuters Health) - Senior women may be able to reduce their risk of developing heart disease by increasing the number of hours they spend in low ... The takeaway message is that low intensity physical activity can be a really pleasant and inexpensive way to reduce cardiovascular disease risk in older people
Source: ChannelNewsAsia - 🏆 6. / 66 Read more »

Treating diabetes and heart disease holistically, not separatelyDiabetics are four times more likely to develop heart disease than non-diabetics. Likewise, more than half of all people who suffer from heart disease also have diabetes. Dr Nandakumar Ramasami, senior consultant interventional cardiologist, and endocrinologist...
Source: thenewpaper - 🏆 7. / 63 Read more »

New study ties egg and cholesterol consumption to heightened risk of heart diseaseAfter a raft of studies reassuring consumers that eggs are OK to eat, a new report associates an increasing risk of heart disease with the ...
Source: ChannelNewsAsia - 🏆 6. / 66 Read more »