Diagnóstico de la situación actual del cultivo de tomate de árbol (Solanum betaceum) por el ataque de (Bactericera cockerelli)

Abstract

This research was carried out in the San Cristóbal de Patate canton in the province of Tungurahua with the purpose of identifying the current situation of the tree tomato crop (Solanum betaceum) due to its affectation by the attack of Paratrioza (Bactericera cockerelli). Different agronomic, economic and social variables were determined in order to identify the relationship between the tree tomato (S. Betaceum) crop and the development conditions of farmers. It was identified that since the affectation by Paratrioza (B. cockerelli), the cultivation of this solanaceous crop was reduced by 46% and its production cost increased, reducing farmers' income. According to the survey conducted, technical assistance is provided to 50% of fruit growers. It is also determined that the areas to be cultivated have decreased by 46%, so their economic losses according to the surveys conducted are around 60%, this may be due to the excessive use of pesticides and increased labor, which makes production costs more expensive. This research showed that there is a lack of technical support to producers, so that their economic losses increase and their socioeconomic level decreases in most of the population of Patate, which is why in the surveys determined that farmers have chosen to change their cropping pattern, having death of their tomato plantations by affecting Bactericera cockerelli.