Evaluación del efecto caldo sulfocálcico + ceniza vegetal para el control de Oidio (Erysiphe polygoni) en el cultivo de Delphinium sp.

Abstract

This research was conducted to evaluate the effect of lime-sulfur solution + plant ash for the control of powdery mildew (Erysiphe polygoni) in Delphinium sp. cultivation. This disease is one of the main phytosanitary limitations in cut flower production due to economic losses and reduced flower quality. The importance of this study lies in the need to implement sustainable alternatives that reduce dependence on synthetic fungicides, minimizing chemical residues and meeting the demands of international markets, which are oriented towards environmentally friendly production systems. A Randomized Complete Block Design with a 3 × 2 + 1 factorial arrangement was used, evaluating three doses of lime-sulfur solution + plant ash (15, 20, and 25 cc/L), two application frequencies (every 8 and 18 days), and a control treatment corresponding to conventional cut flower production management. The variables analyzed were incidence, severity, number of live plants, and cost-benefit ratio. Significant differences were observed between treatments, with the 20 cc/L dose applied every 8 days showing the lowest levels of powdery mildew incidence and severity. Furthermore, the economic analysis showed that all treatments were cost- effective, with the highest cost-benefit ratio recorded for treatment T3. This research aimed to validate the use of lime-sulfur solution + plant ash as a technical, economic, and agroecological alternative for the sustainable management of powdery mildew in Delphinium sp. cultivation.