Eduardo Donoso and Trujillo Seminary:

“The use of integrated biological control agents is applicable throughout the cultivation process”

In the search for alternatives for the integrated management of diseases, one of the most studied strategies in recent years has been the use of microbial antagonists in order to regulate the populations of phytopathogens in crops.

In Trujillo, Peru, the most important issues that affect Peruvian blueberry producers will be discussed, mainly those that are directly related to the crop and its most appropriate agronomic management. The occasion will be International Blueberry Seminar which will be held at the Hotel Costa del Sol Windham Trujillo Golf, on July 6 and 7.

The talk is included in the abundant program of the two days of the meeting: "Biological control strategies for diseases in blueberries", an aspect that is highly demanded by producers, since efficient disease management is one of the main challenges in crop development, including its post-harvest stage.

Professor Eduardo Donoso, agronomist and director of Research and Development of Bio Insumos Nativa, will be the one who will present this interesting talk on the first day of the International Seminar to be held in Trujillo, the epicenter city of blueberry production in Peru.

Biological alternative 

In the search for alternatives for the integrated management of diseases, one of the most studied strategies in recent years has been the use of microbial antagonists in order to regulate the populations of phytopathogens in crops.

The wide spectrum of these microorganisms, the possibility of including them before and during the establishment of the crop, and even post-harvest, and the multifunctionality that they present not only as biological control agents, but also as promoters of plant growth and biofertilizers, make the The inclusion of this biological strategy in the integrated management of diseases is attractive for producers, and a solution for the demands of consumers who demand more safety every day.

Does your management include post-harvest?

One of the novelties that we show is the application in postharvest and in recess, to control the inoculum of pathogens that are in the litter, pruning remains and soil, so when the flower comes out there are fewer pathogens and control is easier.

What is the function of these?

They inhibit and compete for space and nutrients, preventing pathogens from infecting plants. The diseases we control are botrytis, alternaria, wood fungi, phytophthora, and pests such as moths and nematodes.

How are they applied?

They are applied in the same way as chemicals, in the case of wood fungi we spray the antagonists instead of having to paint the pruning cuts, for leaf litter inoculum we apply them together with the herbicides.

The researcher comments that they are working on inducing resistance in plants with the use of microorganisms, applying bacteria that induce resistance genes, mainly to diseases. In addition to this, they are working with microbial successions to reduce the use of fertilizers in crops. 

Are they staggered applications of different microorganisms?

Indeed, it is an ecological process by which communities are formed, in this case bacteria that induce root growth and use simple sugars, followed by fungi that solubilize nutrients such as phosphorus. This, in addition to providing nutrients to the plants, favors the appearance of atmospheric nitrogen fixers. Then come the fungi and bacteria that stimulate tolerance to environmental stress, and increase root volume. This has allowed us to reduce fertilization by 50% in vegetables and cereals.

Eduardo Donoso explains that the microbial succession method is a totally different concept, because they are not fertilizers, but rather make the soil's nutrient cycling processes and the absorption capacity of the plant more efficient. This means that with less fertilizer the same results are obtained. In addition, it allows the remains of pruning, leaves and crop stubble to decompose faster, and return nutrients to the plant.

The specialist emphasizes that the use of these integrated biological control agents is applicable throughout the cultivation process, from the nursery to post-harvest and recess, so that the plants reach the field inoculated. "We can also apply them on stubble from previous crops and also during planting," he concludes.

The program of the International Seminar is very complete and addresses the most relevant aspects related to cultivation, because the meeting will be held in the pioneering and leading area in the cultivation of blueberries in Peru, which concentrates 49% of the production and export of blueberries. blueberries in the country, since of the 16.566 hectares of blueberries planted in Peru, 8.056 (almost 50%) correspond to orchards located in the department of La Libertad, of which Trujillo is its capital, and another 30% of the fields planted with blueberry crops are located in the immediately neighboring towns, such as Lambayeque and Ancash.

To witness Eduardo Donoso's talk and learn more about the production of Peruvian blueberries, you can buy your ticket at International Blueberry Seminar Trujillo Peru 2022 here. 

Source
Martin Carrillo O.- Blueberries Consulting

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