Ecuador has discovered two insects within its borders that can fight disease-spreading pests, in what is being hailed as an 'important step' toward boosting biological controls.

After three years of research, scientists discovered the Diaphorencyrtus aligarhensis - which can be used to control populations of the Asian citrus psyllid - along with the Tamarixia Mercet.

The Asian citrus psyllid is considered the main vector of citrus greening disease, also known as HLB, which has devastated citrus industries across the world.

Mariuxi Gómez, a scientific advisor from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Aquaculture and Fisheries (MAGAP), said the Asian citrus psyllid was first detected in Ecuador in 2014, but until now no insects that control its populations had been found.

Gómez said the discovery of Diaphorencyrtus aligarhensis and Tamarixia Mercet had been made by a group of national and international researchers in the province of Guayas, who were supported by MAGAP.

"It is important to note that Diaphorencyrtus and Tamarixia are used in different regions around the world as one of the main agents of biological control against citrus psyllids," he said.

"This is the first find of both species in our country."

Ecuador's Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Aquaculture and Fisheries Javier Ponce Cevallos said the scientific team was focused on sharing information and techniques for integrated agricultural pest management.

"We are constantly looking for ways to incorporate organic elements into our agriculture," he said.

He said the discovery of these insects was a 'fundamental step' toward boost the country's biological controls against pests, adding it would allow the country to have a 'cleaner, more sustainable' production.

In addition, Gómez mentioned the discovery would help organic produce exporters meet market requirements.

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