Fluctuación de la población de paratrioza (Bactericera cockerelli Sulc.) en cultivos establecidos de tomate de árbol (Solanum betaceum Cav.) en dos zonas altitudinales del cantón Penipe, provincia de Chimborazo.

Abstract

The objective of this research work was to study the population fluctuation of paratrioza (Bactericera cockerelli Sulc.) in established tree tomato crops (Solanum betaceum Cav.) in two altitudinal zones of Penipe canton, Chimborazo province, through 5 biweekly samplings carried out from April 14 to June 16, 2021. The study area was selected from a high zone (2651 to 2838 meters above sea level) located in the Puela parish and a low zone (2374 to 2478 meters above sea level) located in the Puela and El Altar parish. Each zone was divided into three cultivation plots of 1 ha each; in each plot 12 plants were selected to form a "T" and within each plant, six leaves were delimited. The fluctuation of paratrioza in egg, nymph, and adult stages was determined by direct observation of selected leaves using an entomological magnifying glass. To detect the presence of adults were used yellow polypropylene traps of 10 x 30 cm were placed in 3 of the 12 plants of the "T" of each lot. For the statistical analysis, the Mann-Withney U test was used for independent samples, applied with 95% confidence and 5% error in the five samplings carried out. As a result, no significant differences for paratrioza individuals in egg, nymph, and adult stages were found in the high and low zones of the study area. It was concluded that between altitudinal zones, the amount of psyllid does not vary significantly. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out weekly sampling to obtain a more accurate estimate, and to exercise adequate management of weeds, since they can be host species of paratrioza.