Relationship betweenScyphophorus acupunctatusGyllenhal Damage and Nutrient and Sugar Content ofAgave angustifoliaHaw

Abstract

Abstract In Oaxaca, Mexico, Agave spp. is produced as the main raw matter of the mezcal (distilled alcoholic beverage) industry. Agave weevil, Scyphophorus acupunctatus Gyllenhal, in adult agave plants causes rot and death, which in turn affects production and quality of mezcal. Five amounts of damage by the agave weevil were analyzed in relationship to total reducing sugars and nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium nutrient content of mature A. angustifolia Haw plants. A significant (p ≤ 0.05) relationship was found between the amount of damage to a mature plant and numbers of lesions (r = 0.981), adult insects (r = 0.908), and larvae (r = 0.994). Severely damaged agave plants had more lesions on the leaves (33.2) and more agave weevil larvae (40) and adults (30.5). Likewise, the greater the amount of damage, was reduced 52 % the weight of the plant, and 68% total reducing sugars. Nutrient content (NPK) in severely damaged plants were 0.7, 0.36 y 2.37 % in contrast to healthy plants was 2.8, 0.60 y 3.48 % respec...