Reduction of the spread of diseases caused by soil fungi in cassava (Manihot esculenta) and taro (Xanthosoma sagittifolium)

Abstract

Context: Phytosanitary defense programs help protect the health of plants and help increase food security, reduce poverty, protect the environment, and improve the economic development. Objective: evaluate the feasibility of adopting practices for the management of diseases caused by soil fungi, incorporating the farmers´ criteria in the generation of technologies. Methods: the proposals for the management of root rots in cassava and cocoyam dry rot disease were validated in Pinar del Río and Artemisa provinces, respectively. Results: it was shown the feasibility of using alternatives for the management of cassava root rots, it was evidenced a decrease in the distribution percentage by 36,45 %. It was possible to reduce the incidence of cocoyam dry rot disease by 18 %, the agricultural yields increased by 25 %. Conclusions: the evaluated management proposals were adopted and defense strategies were designed for the areas of both crops.

Keywords

• dry rot disease
• mandioca
• management
• root rot diseases
• cocoyam