Havana, February 27 (RHC)--Cuban plant health authorities warned Wednesday of the existence on the island of a plague of the megalurothrips usitatus, better known as the bean flower thrips.

The insects feed on the flower's pollen, the plants' new leaves, and then go to the bean pod.  A news report on National TV said the pest is spreading in the western part of the island.

Reinaldo Delgado, an official from the Department of Plant-Health in Cienfuegos province, the plague is severely undermining bean productions within the territory. Of some 1500 hectares devoted to the crop, some 65% of it is affected.

This thrips species is known in Cuba since 2010. It is of Asian origin and disseminated all over the world. Up to now, it had had not affected species of economic interest on the island. 

However, since last December, the pest became noticeable in Artemisa province, and it is currently causing damages from Pinar del Rio to the central province of Camaguey.

Authorities affirm that they have the resources and the know-how to control the insect. But while measures are taken, the effects will be perceived in the availability of legumes.

Just in Cienfuegos, of 4,100 tons that were expected to be produced, only 580 tons will be harvested, the news report said.