Pest control and sustainable fruit production in the Andean region
Ecuador
Colombia
Venezuela
Executive Summary
The project was implemented in Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela to improve the livelihoods of farmers by controlling the main diseases and pests of Andean fruit trees, particularly those caused by nematodes. The selected crops were tree tomatoes (Solanum betaceum), naranjilla or lulo (Solanum quitoense) and passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) and sweet granadilla (Passiflora ligularis).
Specifically, the project aimed to (i) characterize priority phytosanitary problems in the main production areas; (ii) evaluate available control technologies in the production areas; develop new forms of control and determine the relationships between the host, nematodes and other organisms; (iii) implement and adjust IPM components in farmers' fields and disseminate practices; and (iv) create a network for exchanging information among and within countries and with international organizations.
The magnitude of productivity losses due to nematode infestation was determined, the main pathogenic species in each crop and country were identified and their degree of incidence was determined, information was collected and different cultural and biological control strategies were tested, producers were organized and trained in integrated pest management techniques and a mechanism was established for close coordination and information exchange among participating countries.
The technological solution
The technological solution to the productive and economic problem caused by nematode infestation has been the adaptation of integrated control management based on cultural and biological practices, which depend on the interaction between the host, the pathogen and different organisms. The productive sector of reference is that of Andean fruit trees.
Results
- The phytosanitary problems caused by nematodes in the production areas of the three countries were characterized,
- the main pathogenic species in each crop and country were identified and their degree of incidence, and quantitative information was generated on the magnitude of productivity losses due to nematode infestation;
- an inventory was made of existing control practices which were adapted and validated in farmers' fields as new pest management practices, both cultural and biological, based on interactions between the host crop, nematodes and other organisms;
- a process of dissemination of integrated pest management to farmers was organized,
- an information exchange network was formalized among all members of the platform.
The potential impact of the results obtained is great but this will depend on a broad dissemination process and the degree of adoption of the technologies by farmers.
Beneficiaries
The direct beneficiaries are the farmers producing the crops targeted by the project. However, the large-scale impact will be the result of an effective dissemination process and adoption of IPM practices by the producer population that the collaborators have represented. The quantification of impact depends on a follow-up and monitoring system that is not in place. Other beneficiaries are the technicians involved in the development of the integrated pest management practices.
Sustainable Development Goals
Main donors
Participating Organizations
Executor
- Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (INIAP) - Ecuador
Co-executor
- Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria (CORPOICA) - Colombia
- Fondo Nacional de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (FONAIAP) - Venezuela
Graphics and data
Financing by country (in USD)
Geolocated Map
Publications and resources
Researchers
Jorge Anibal Revelo Morán
