En Valles Centrales de Oaxaca el cultivo de chile (Capsicum annuum L.) es de gran importancia económica, social y alimenticia. No obstante, la producción es afectada por ‘marchitez del chile’ (MCH) porque genera pérdidas económicas importantes. En este sentido, se realizó un diagnóstico rápido del sistema de producción del chile, manejo, síntomas y patógenos relacionados con MCH, de junio de 2013 a marzo de 2014, mediante recorridos de campo, entrevistas a 63 agricultores y toma de muestreos de campo en 27 comunidades. Los agrosistemas de producción de chile son diversos en infraestructura utilizada, superficie sembrada, manejo del cultivo, plagas y enfermedades. El chile de agua es el más cultivado y los productores obtienen su propia semilla, utilizan fertilizantes químicos y pesticidas para el control de plagas y enfermedades. Se observaron diferentes síntomas catalogados como marchitez del chile en diversos sitios de producción de Valles Centrales, y los patógenos relacionados con el síntoma fueron, Rhizoctonia y Fusarium, y dos oomycetos: Phytophthora y Pythium. También, se determinó una relación significativa (X2, p< 0.05) entre subregiones visitadas y frecuencia de la distribución de patógenos: en las regiones de Coatlán-Sola de Vega y Ejutla-Ocotlán hubo mayor incidencia de Rhizoctonia y Fusarium, pero para Zimatlán-Tacolula y Etla además se presentó Phytophthora y Pythium. Los resultados muestran la presencia de dos o más patógenos en el mismo sito, y consecuentemente mayor incidencia en campo de la enfermedad.

<p>The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, caused productive disruptions in the guava production system of the municipality of Calvillo, Aguascalientes. These disruptions included delays in the application of phytosanitary management measures against weevils and fruit flies, pests of quarantine, and economic importance, due to the appearance of positive cases among operational and technical personnel. Manual harvesting, an activity that requires large crews of agricultural workers, was delayed due to labor shortages. The cost and supply of fertilizers and pesticides were also affected due to problems in the supply chains of agro-inputs. The sale price of guava in supply centers and local markets fell on average from 10.83 to 10 MN/kg during the months of highest demand due to a 60% reduction in agricultural activities. In Calvillo, the return of Mexican migrants from the US and the presence of asymptomatic cases influenced the spread of SARS-CoV-2 among the local rural community.</p>

We evaluated the damage patterns produced by females of the guava weevilConotrachelus dimidiatusChampion, 1904 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), according to the position of the damaged fruit in guava treesPsidium guajavaL. in Calvillo, Aguascalientes, Mexico. The trees were subdivided in eight zones, and during one year the level of fruit lesions due to oviposition was registered. Results showed a higher level of damage in the upper and external zone of the trees(P≤.05). We found no significant differences in damage between the four cardinal points(P≥.05). During the year, the level of damage was recorded and was higher in the months of August and September(P≤.05)associated with rainfall (0.86,P=.06) and increase in temperature (0.84,P=.03). The most susceptible fruits were in the size range of 2.1–4.0 cm (polar diameter). The information from this study will be used to design and establish effective control strategies for the guava weevil, taking into account location of the most susceptible fruits, seasonality of the pest, and the abiotic factors.

No abstract

<p>Avocado crop (<em>Persea americana</em>) in Ciudad Guzmán, Jalisco, Mexico, is affected by pests and diseases that have worsened with the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. Damage to fruits has increased due to the reduction of the workforce by more than half, which restricts crop sampling and the timely control of pests. Furthermore, the closure of businesses and the consequent lack of agricultural inputs have affected the management and profitability of avocado crop. The restricted access to markets such as Monterrey, Mexico City and Guadalajara has also affected avocado availability.</p>