Impacto de plagas y enfermedades de relevancia económica en el cultivo de papa (Solanum tuberosum L.) y estrategias de prevención en la parroquia Urbina,

Abstract

Abstract: Potato cultivation is the third most important crop worldwide, but it is threatened by pests and diseases. Therefore, this research was conducted to evaluate the impact of economically significant pests and diseases on potato crops (Solanum tuberosum L.) and prevention strategies in the Urbina parish. A survey was conducted among 40 producers and identified that crops are affected by tuber pests and foliar and viral diseases. Seventy percent of producers receive advice primarily from private companies. In addition, 55% indicate that floods and hail are the main natural phenomena affecting their crops. Regarding profitability, 87.5% market their produce through intermediaries and obtain a profit per hectare of less than $5,000. The main type of potato grown is Super Chola, where the economic impact of pests is 10%-30%. Producers agree that implementing preventative strategies can improve yield and reduce economic losses, with chemical control standing out as the most cost-effective and sustainable.