Current status of asparagus production and vermicompost use in Atenco, State of Mexico, and potential of leachates to control rhizome rot

Abstract

Objective: To describe the current agronomic and socioeconomic situation of asparagus production and vermicompost usage in the municipality of Atenco, State of Mexico, and determine whether the leachates from ver-micompost have a suppressive effect on the rhizome rot of the asparagus crop (Asparagus officinalis L.) caused by Fusarium proliferatum.
Design/methodology/approach: Surveys were conducted with asparagus producers and two greenhouse experiments were carried out with soils from the municipality of Atenco, State of Mexico, with 14 treatments under a completely randomized design. The results were analyzed using non-parametric statistical tests.
Findings/conclusions: Asparagus cultivation is currently a profitable crop for producers in Atenco, although it faces organizational and technical limi-tations. The production system is characterized by use of agrochemicals, although many producers have explored the used of biological amendments aimed at achieving a more sustainable production. The leachates from ver-micompost made from sheep and cow manure showed potential to promote asparagus growth in the absence of pathogens, but did not reduce the level of damage to the rhizome caused by F. proliferatum.