COVID-19 impacts on the guava crop production system in Calvillo, Aguascalientes, Mexico

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, caused productive disruptions in the guava production system of the municipality of Calvillo, Aguascalientes. These disruptions included delays in the application of phytosanitary management measures against weevils and fruit flies, pests of quarantine, and economic importance, due to the appearance of positive cases among operational and technical personnel. Manual harvesting, an activity that requires large crews of agricultural workers, was delayed due to labor shortages. The cost and supply of fertilizers and pesticides were also affected due to problems in the supply chains of agro-inputs. The sale price of guava in supply centers and local markets fell on average from 10.83 to 10 MN/kg during the months of highest demand due to a 60% reduction in agricultural activities. In Calvillo, the return of Mexican migrants from the US and the presence of asymptomatic cases influenced the spread of SARS-CoV-2 among the local rural community.