Examinando por Autor "Clercx, L."

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Digital mapping tool: a territorial approach for containment of Fusarium wilt TR4 in Peru
(International Society for Horticultural Science, 2023-05-16) Clercx, L.; Cozzarelli, M.; Balarezo Camminati, D.; Rojas Llanque, Juan Carlos
Fusarium wilt caused by the tropical race 4 (TR4) of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense is known as the most serious and devastating banana disease. In April 2021 the presence of TR4 was detected on a plot in Chocán, in the district of Querecotillo in the Chira Valley, Peru. Organic banana cultivation for export is located in this valley, between Sullana and Piura, in Morropón and Lambayeque; altogether, 10,000 ha. There are two dozen mid-sized banana farms; but the export sector is mainly made up of approximately 9,000 small producers, with average plot sizes of 0.5-1.0 ha, organized in around 35 producer associations and cooperatives. To a great extent, the banana sector depends on flood irrigation. Harvesting is done by dozens of harvesting teams, who cut and carry banana bunches on their shoulder to one of the hundreds small packing stations, walking their shortest way through the banana plots. The export banana sector in Peru is small and young, with only an incipient institutional development and leadership. Typical biosecurity protocols to prevent entrance of the fungus are designed for farms; and need ‘re-invention’ for the highly fragmented context of Peru. All these characteristics make the sector extremely vulnerable to further spreading of TR4. Between April 2021 and June 2022, 82 TR4 outbreaks were detected by the phytosanitary agency SENASA in the districts of Querecotillo, Salitral and Marcavelica. Together with the data processing company Opus Insights, and in a broad alliance with other companies and institutions, the importer of Fairtrade and organic banana AgroFair started a project to carry out detailed aerial mapping, as tool for implementation of risk analysis and biosecurity measures with a territorial approach. The digital maps were completed in July 2022. We will examine the first practical experiences with this tool, formulate recommendations and indicate institutional conditions favorable to develop strategies for coping with TR4.
Red rust thrips in smallholder organic export banana in Latin America and the Caribbean: pathways for control, compatible with organic certification
(ISHS, 2020-03-23) Arias de López, M.; Corozo Ayovi, R.E.; Delgado, R.; Osorio, B.; Moyón, D.; Rengifo, D.; Suárez, P.; Paulino, A.; Medrano, S.; Sanchez, L.; Rojas Llanque, Juan Carlos; Vegas, U.; Alburqueque, D.; Staver, C.; van Tol, R.; Clercx, L.
Since 2010, red rust thrips (RRT) have become a serious pest in organic export banana plantations, causing yield losses of 30-40%. Although RRT blemishes on banana peel are only cosmetic, exporters apply zero tolerance. During 2014-2017, FONTAGRO co-financed studies on measures to reduce RRT damage in smallholder organic export banana. Research was initially guided by an IPM approach based on thrips population thresholds and linked abiotic factors, in order to schedule practices. Initial studies resulted in a preventive model for thrips management based on the yearround use of transparent bags with 3-mm orifices to protect bunches just as the bell emerges and before bracts open. This approach minimizes losses due to both Chaetanaphothrips signipennis found in Peru and Ecuador and Chaetanaphothrips orchidii common in the Dominican Republic. Experiments to develop scouting methods and establish thresholds suggested three conclusions: C. signipennnis flies very little, complicating trapping even with pheromones; thresholds for economic damage are very low; and scouting is difficult, costly and not practical for decision making. Routine monitoring of losses caused by RRT and other factors should be done during packing. Experiments to test the effectiveness of bagging and the use of applied products to repel or kill thrips showed that bagging alone reduced losses by 90-100% compared to bunches with no bag. Applications of organic products to the bell at bagging and the leaf whorl and the upper bunch stem simultaneously with other bunch practices reduced losses further by 0-8%. Studies of biological control identified predators, parasitoids and entomopathogens which attack different stages of thrips. Preliminary lab and release studies suggest that biological control should be further developed. However, RRT form part of a complex of insect bunch pests, and the use of general or targeted applications should be reviewed to avoid the use of products which reduce beneficial organisms.