Aislamiento y caracterización del agente causal de pudrición en el cultivo de Allium fistulosum L

Abstract

Onion (Allium fistulosum L.) is one of the crops of great economic and culinary importance in various regions of the country, particularly in provinces such as Tungurahua, Cotopaxi, and Chimborazo. However, its productivity is negatively affected by the presence of diseases, with stem rot being one of the most common and damaging, leading to significant losses for farmers who are often unaware of the specific cause of the problem and, therefore, unable to implement effective solutions. For this reason, the objective of this research was to isolate and characterize the causal agents of stem rot in onion crops in the community of San Pedro de Sabañag, located in the Quero canton, province of Tungurahua. The methodology involved collecting samples from two study areas, three from each, followed by isolation using selective culture media. Microscopic and macroscopic evaluations were then conducted, which allowed for the identification of Fusarium oxysporum and Sclerotium cepivorum Berk. as the primary pathogens responsible for the rot. These pathogens are considered a significant threat to crop stability and to the economic well-being of local farmers; thus, it is recommended to develop specific strategies aimed at effective disease management and control.