BIOFUMIGATION AND SOLARIZATION AS STRATEGIES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF NEMATODE POPULATIONS IN TOMATO CULTURE (Solanum lycopersicum)

Abstract

Gall-forming nematodes (genus Meloidogyne) are one of the main pests in tomato crops in tropical and subtropical countries where they are widely distributed. Its control has been based mainly on the use of chemicals, which are increasingly less efficient, so it is necessary to seek ecologically sustainable strategies. The present study consisted of two trials to evaluate the effect of biofumigation and solarization on nematode populations in a tomato crop (Solanum lycopersicum) under greenhouse conditions. In the first trial the single and combined effect of biofumigation with solarization on nematode populations in the Quillan Valley, Canton Píllaro was studied. The second trial evaluated the effect of the phenological status of hot mustard on nematode control in soil in La Matriz Parish of Canton Píllaro. Specimens of the genus Meloidogyne, Xiphinema, Criconemoides, Trichodorus and Tylenchorrhynchus were found. The effect of treatments for nematode population management was less effective for Meloidogyne, as it only decreased by 25 % in relation to the initial population, while in Xiphinema it provoked total control. There was no effect of the age of the plant material and the type of application on the number of nematodes, however, if effect was observed by the time of action of the extracts. Based on the results, the use of Brasicaceae in combination with solarization could be a viable alternative for the management of nematode populations in tomato crops in the region of the Ecuadorian Sierra