A United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) report has highlighted the rapid growth of Peruvian grape production in recent years, but says growers need to overcome nematode pests.

A USDA Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) forecast estimated production would reach 305,000 metric tons (MT) in the 2013 crop year, of which 150,000MT would be exported.

"An important challenge that Peru needs to face to continue increasing its grape production is reducing the nematode charge per hectare," the report said.

"Other countries with colder weather do not have a problem with this pest, but  due to Peru’s mild weather this has become a serious problem.

"In the northern region (Piura) due to warm temperatures two harvests per year are possible which reduce the negative effect of nematodes. Peruvian producers are working on developing more resistant varieties."

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