Importance of a dynamic and reliable database of agricultural pests in Paraguay

Abstract

Successful agricultural pest control requires a series of policies to cover a wide range of plant protection issues. The Servicio Nacional de Calidad y Sanidad Vegetal y de Semillas (SENAVE) is responsible for preventing the introduction and establishment of exotic plant pests in the country and preserving a phytosanitary status that allows agricultural products access to foreign markets. It is important that the local health authority makes updated and reliable lists of pests present in the country available to the productive sector, since they are an important tool for the application of pest monitoring and control strategies. In addition, SENAVE's policy is ambiguous in relation to pest reporting, where it is not clear if SENAVE is in charge of disclosing the occurrence of new pests when researchers make a report in a scientific journal, or if SENAVE has the exclusivity reporting and disclosure. Phytosanitary authorities are urged to work together with researchers, specialists, and technicians dedicated to the complex work of pest identification and management. The characterization of pests implies a full-time job, the results of which are published in recognized scientific journals in the field. Of the investigation. These reports should be valid to be used by SENAVE as a reference to update the lists of pests present in the country, and not require exclusivity without grounds to support it.