Mature "Inga edulis" can be defoliated by Lepidoptera larvae. "Inga edulis" seems to be very resistant to pests and diseases. "Inga edulis" is widely used in native South American folk medicine. Further "Inga edulis" can cope with heavy soils or slope fairly well. "Inga edulis" is widely cultivated in agroforestry systems in its neotropical dispersal area. Species which have proven effective for alley cropping include "Inga edulis" and "Inga oerstediana". In Ecuador, Inga edulis in specially susceptible to mistletoe infestations.