Mango production in Los Cabos is experiencing one of its most difficult seasons in recent years, with harvests expected to decline by nearly 50% due to phytosanitary issues and unusual weather conditions, according to the Secretariat of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Agricultural Development (SEPADA).
State officials said sooty mold, a fungus that develops on residue left by pests such as aphids and whiteflies, has severely affected orchards across the region. Although the fungus does not directly kill the trees, it interferes with photosynthesis and limits healthy fruit development.
The problem has been worsened by an unusually warm winter, which disrupted normal flowering cycles and significantly reduced the volume of mangoes expected this season.
About 1,450 hectares in the municipality are dedicated to mango cultivation, primarily in the communities of Santiago and Miraflores, which account for more than half of the planted area. Other producing regions include Las Cuevas and San José del Cabo.
SEPADA Director José Bermúdez said the agency is working with plant health authorities and local officials to implement control measures in affected areas. Planned actions include specialized treatments aimed at containing the spread of the fungus.
However, Bermúdez acknowledged that, given the advanced stage of the season, recovering lost production will be difficult. Preliminary estimates indicate that of the 10,000 tons projected for this agricultural cycle, roughly 5,000 tons will not be harvested.
Authorities are also conducting an assessment to determine the economic impact the reduced harvest will have on southern Baja California Sur’s agricultural sector.
