Biostimulants and insecticides for a bio-rational management of Serrano pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in protected conditions in macrotunnel

Resumen

Objective: to evaluate the effect of two biostimulants and two insecticides on the bio-rational management of Serrano pepper cultivation under protected macrotunnel conditions.

Design/ Methodology/ Approach: three biostimulant treatments were evaluated 1: T22^® (Trichoderma harzianum strain T22); 2: Mix^® (Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma viride, Trichoderma asperellum, Trichoderma koningii); and 3: control (tap water), applied at doses of 0.5% (w/v). In addition, three insecticide treatments were evaluated 1: Movento^® (Spirotetramat) at a dose of 250 mL ha^-1; 2: the bioinsecticide Isaria javanica strain 304 at a dose 1 L ha^-1, and 3: control (tap water). The experimental design was a factorial of treatments in randomized complete blocks. The response variables for the biostimulants were weight, equatorial diameter and polar diameter of the fruit, as well as the total weight of 20 fruits. For insecticides, a single application of each product was made. An aphid sampling was made before insecticides application, then four more afterwards at 3, 5, 7 and 14 days after application (daa).

Results: results demonstrated a greater potential of the biostimulant formulated with T. harzianum strain T22 to increase the weight and size of Serrano pepper fruits. Also, the insecticide based on spirotetramat was more effective for aphid control; whereas the fungus I. javanica strain 304 was efficient at 7 and 14 daa, with mortality percentages less than 60%.

Limitations/ Implications of the study:

Findings/ Conclusions: the interactions of biostimulants and insecticides had beneficial effects on weight and size of Serrano pepper fruits, as well as on aphid pest control.