Evaluación de microorganismos eficientes nativos (MEN) en el control de tizones en el cultivo de papa (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Potato is the most important vegetable crop in Uruguay in terms of gross production value and per capita consumption. It is affected by several diseases, among which late blight (Phytophthora infestans) and early blight (Alternaria spp.) are the most important, as they cause severe economic losses. Frequent agrochemical applications are used for their control, which have negative impacts on the environment and human health.

The objective of this thesis was to determine the effectiveness of applying MEN (Native Efficient Microorganisms) to control foliar diseases in potato crops.

The experiment was conducted at the South Regional Centre (CRS) of the Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de la República, in an open-field crop using the INIA Arequita variety. Four treatments were applied: MEN 10% (T1), MEN 15% (T2), MEN 10% + agrochemicals when weather conditions favored the epidemic (T3), and a control plot (T0) sprayed with water. All treatments were applied to the foliage.

The results showed that MEN application was effective in reducing both diseases at the beginning of the epidemic. The treatment combining fungicides with MEN achieved the greatest reduction and produced tuber weights on average 30% higher than the control plot. Although further studies are necessary, these results suggest that MEN application could be incorporated into an integrated disease management strategy for late and early blight.