Trichoderma spp.: efectos de aplicaciones edáficas en variables agronómicas durante las fases fenológicas del cultivo de banano.

Abstract

This thesis focuses on evaluating the effect of Trichoderma spp., a fungus widely recognized for its biocontrol and biostimulant properties, on banana cultivation (Williams clone). Through a controlled experiment, various key agronomic variables were studied to determine the effectiveness of Trichoderma spp. in enhancing both vegetative growth and fruit productivity and quality. The main variables analyzed included leaf emission, the number of leaves, leaf area, bunch weight, rachis weight, and fruit quality, measured in terms of the grade of the last hand and the grade of the sun hand, among others. The data analysis showed that the application of Trichoderma spp. had a significant positive effect on the vegetative growth of bananas. In particular, an increase in leaf emission during the first 20 weeks (EFP20S) was observed, suggesting higher photosynthetic activity and more vigorous growth. Additionally, variables such as leaf area at flowering (AFP) and the number of leaves at flowering (NHP) showed considerable improvements in treatments with Trichoderma spp. compared to the control treatment. These results indicate that Trichoderma spp. not only promotes more robust initial growth but also contributes to sustainable growth until the harvest stage. In terms of productivity, the results revealed that treatments with Trichoderma spp. led to a significant increase in bunch weight (PR) and rachis weight (PRaq). These improvements in yield were complemented by an increase in fruit quality, measured through variables such as the grade of the last hand (GUM) and the grade of the sun hand (GMS). The fruits produced under the influence of Trichoderma spp. were not only heavier but also showed greater uniformity and size, which are highly desirable characteristics in the market. Another key finding was the ability of Trichoderma spp. to significantly reduce crop development times. The weeks to flowering (SAP) and to harvest (SAC) were shortened in the treatments that included Trichoderma spp., implying an acceleration in the cultivation cycle. This reduction in maturation time is especially valuable for growers, as it allows for earlier harvests and, therefore, faster capital return. The variable “Ratio,” which measures the efficiency in transforming the fruit into the final product, also showed significant improvements in the treatments with Trichoderma spp. Treatments with higher doses of Trichoderma spp. presented the highest ratios, indicating greater efficiency in fruit processing. This result is highly relevant to the industry, as it suggests that the application of Trichoderma spp. can not only improve the quantity and quality of the product but also optimize the production process, reducing costs and increasing profitability. In conclusion, this thesis demonstrates that Trichoderma spp. is an effective biotechnological tool for improving the yield and quality of banana cultivation. The results underscore its potential to be integrated into sustainable agricultural management programs, promoting more robust vegetative growth, higher productivity, better fruit quality, and greater efficiency in the production process. The application of Trichoderma spp. not only presents itself as a viable alternative to traditional chemical inputs but also emerges as a key strategy for the future of agriculture, where sustainability and efficiency are priorities. These findings are particularly relevant to the banana industry in Ecuador, a country that stands out as one of the leading exporters of bananas worldwide.