Respuesta agronómica y fitosanitaria de plantas de tomate (Solanum lycopersicum l.) a la aplicación de quitosano en condiciones de invernadero

Abstract

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an important component in the diet of the majority of the population worldwide, contributing strongly to the economy of Latin American countries, including Ecuador. Crop yield is affected by Alternaria solani, fungal pathogen responsible for early blight disease, influencing the application of agrochemicals. Current trends indicate that consumers are increasingly concerned with consuming environmentally friendly, safe, agrochemical free food. An alternative to agrochemical application is the use of biostimulants such as chitosan. In addition to being a compound of natural origin with a wide spectrum of applications within agronomy, it highlights its function as a stimulant of plant defense mechanisms and is a growth promoter, considerably improving agronomic variables and therefore productive performance. This research, developed under controlled conditions with a completely randomized design, aimed to evaluate the influence of different doses of chitosan (50, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 mgl-1) on multiple physiological and productivity parameters. Evaluating the emergence and height of the plant, root length, stem diameter, fresh weight of the root, dry weight of the root, bunches with fruits, fruits per plant, fruit mass, yield per hectare and phytosanitary status. The results showed that chitosan applied at a concentration of 300 mgl-1stimulated the evaluated variables associated with growth, production and yield. In addition to reducing the incidence and severity of leaf spots caused by Alternaria solani.