Evaluation of biological alternatives for controlling ASCOCHYTA SPP. in pea cultivation, Pamplona, Norte de Santander

Abstract

Ascochyta blight is a serious disease affecting peas in Pamplona, Norte de Santander, which requires frequent use of chemical fungicides despite reports of the possibility of using biological control methods. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of biological alternatives for the control of Ascochyta spp. in pea cultivation (Pisum sativum) under the conditions of Pamplona. An experimental study was conducted, evaluating six treatments: three with biopreparations produced by the Association of Agricultural Producers (ASPAGRO), alone or in combination; a commercial antagonist (Trichoderma harzianum); a chemical treatment with benomyl; and a control. The incidence of the disease and the Area Under the Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC) were determined. In addition, the number of pods per plant, the number of seeds per pod, the weight of 10 seeds, and the yield were compared among the treatments. The ASPAGRO Rhizosphere Broth biopreparation and the commercial Trichoderma-based biopreparation reduced the incidence and AUP of the Ascochyta spp. complex in peas in a similar way to the chemical fungicide benomyl, with crop yield levels similar to those of the chemical treatment.