Producers of Competitive Lulo and Blackberry through Participatory Selection of Elite Clones, Integrated Crop Management and Strengthening of Value Chains

The naranjilla or lulo (Solanum quitoense Lam.) is a plant native to the humid forests of the Andes of South America, specifically Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. Lulo is a crop for popular consumption and of great economic importance, being the second most cultivated species after bananas in Ecuador, despite the fact that it has not reached its potential technological development. The mora - blackberry - (Rubus glaucus Benth), is a socially important fruit because many farmers depend economically on its cultivation. It has good acceptance in the market for consumption both fresh and processed.

These crops have great economic potential for their high profitability and good acceptance in the market. Despite being important crops, the research carried out has been limited. The objective of the project was to optimize lulo and blackberry productivity and quality to strengthen value chains, improve growers' incomes, and protect the environment through elite material selection and integrated crop management. Its development focused on the following specific objectives: (1) With the participation of farmers, trading companies, and processors, select elite lulo and blackberry materials, with criteria of adaptability, disease resistance, productivity, and market acceptance. (2) Characterize germplasm collections by genetic variability and resistance to major pests and diseases. (3) Develop and evaluate biocontrol strategies for the most important pests and diseases. (4) Evaluate the behavior, quality and profitability of the selected elite clones, under different production systems aimed at different markets. (5) Strengthen the capacity of farmers and technicians in the integrated management of blackberry and lulo crops and develop capacities for innovation in the actors of the production chains. (6) Establish and strengthen innovation systems for the development of blackberry and lulo crops in Colombia and Ecuador.