Impacto de enfermedades en el cultivo de tomate de riñón (Solanum lycopersicum) y estrategias de prevención

Abstract

Abstract: This study analyzes the impact of diseases on the cultivation of plum tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in the parish of Salache, Latacunga, where a high incidence of pests and diseases such as Botrytis cinerea and Phytophthora infestans was identified. Structured surveys were conducted with local producers to assess management practices, economic impacts, and the level of knowledge regarding plant health. The results reveal that over 60% of producers rely heavily on chemical control, have limited access to technical training, and suffer significant losses due to diseases. The study proposes strengthening local capacities through ongoing training programs, the adoption of integrated pest management, and the use of technologies such as in vitro micropropagation. This work contributes to applied knowledge on agricultural sustainability and provides recommendations to improve the resilience of the local production system. The findings help establish strategies tailored to the agroclimatic conditions of the region, which can be replicated in other territories with similar characteristics.