“Pasapalabra”: the word for which he was awarded two million euros

Last night March 16th Password played the biggest jackpot in its history. The lucky one was Rafa Castaño, who received a colossal EUR 2,272,000. And he did it in one turn, while the word of victory was that which began with z: zabro.

Leading definition, an abbreviated version of which can be read in the dictionary Royal Spanish Academy (RAE), was: “A beetle attacking wheat fields, especially when the grains are tender.” But what else do we know about this €2 million beetle?

The truth is that it does not only attack wheat fields, as stated in the definition. In general, the zabro is considered a pest. any cereal, less than oats. Yes, it is true that it affects mainly the most delicate grains and at certain times of the year, according to certain signs. Logically, all this could not be said in the definition Password. But that’s why we’re here to talk about science. We also love bugs.

Beetle Zabro Password

The full definition of RAE also includes that it belongs to the ground beetle family. The way it is. In addition, its scientific name Zabrus tenebryoidthough much more commonly known as the zabro.

Zabro produces the greatest crop losses in the larval stage, from September to October. At this stage, measure about 3 centimeters longhave strong jaws and eat almost any cereal, although their favorite wheat and barley.

Years since mild and wet autumn those that contribute to the appearance of the beetle 2 million euros Password. However, it is in late spring and early summer that adults, smaller than larvae, can be seen roaming the crops.

It can be prevented

He zabro brought great joy Rafael Castaño V Password. However, for cereal farmers, this can be a major headache as it can lead to large crop losses. Therefore, it is necessary to take certain preventive measures.

First crop rotation. That is, do not plant cereals where there used to be cereals. It’s also important postpone boarding as far as possible, so that the period of reproduction of the larvae does not coincide with the moment when the grains become tender and suitable for destruction. In addition, their accumulation should be avoided. bristleas this also favors the appearance of zabro pests.

If even in this case it is not possible to avoid its appearance, you will have to resort to permitted phytosanitary products. But as with everything in life, prevention is always better than cure. Zabro, like other crop pests, is no exception to this typical saying.