Eficiencia de Practicas Culturales en el Manejo Integrado de Plagas en Cultivos de Hortalizas : Un Estudio Comparativo

Abstract

Abstract: This research evaluated the effectiveness of three cultural practices within Integrated Pest Management (IPM) on the incidence of pests and diseases, as well as on the yield and quality of beet (Beta vulgaris) and carrot (Daucus carota) crops in the San Pedro de Llucud parish, Chambo canton, Chimborazo province. Data collection was carried out through surveys of farmers, and a completely randomized experimental design with four treatments was implemented: (T1) crop rotation, (T2) soil preparation, (T3) intercropping, and (T4) no-intervention control. Crop rotation proved to be the most effective treatment, with the lowest incidence of pests and diseases and the best yield for both crops, in contrast to the control, which had the lowest values. These differences were confirmed using a two-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test. It is concluded that cultural practices, especially crop rotation, constitute a sustainable and efficient alternative to improve horticultural productivity and reduce dependence on chemical inputs.