Efecto de tierra de diatomeas en el control de cochinilla algodonosa (Pseudococcus spp.) en guanábana (Annona muricata).

Soursop cultivation can be affected by a variety of pests that affect its normal development, measures to control pests especially in flowers and fruits are necessary. The use of diatomaceous earth is an alternative for pest management; however, its control potential is unknown. For this reason, the objective of the research was to evaluate the effect of diatomaceous earth on the control of cottony cochineal and sooty mold in fruits of the soursop crop. A randomized complete block design (DBCA) with seven treatments and three repetitions was used. The treatments evaluated were diatomaceous earth (SIO-DEM +) in doses of 2.00; 4.00; 6.00; 8.00; 10.00 and 12.00 kg ha-1 and control (without application). The variables evaluated were, percentage of incidence of mealybugs, degree of severity of sooty mold and fruit development (length, thickness and weight). The results obtained showed that the percentage of incidence of cottony mealybug using the doses of 10.00 kg ha-1 and 12 kg ha-1 decreased the incidence of the pest by more than 40%. The severity of sooty mold damage in soursop fruits under the effect of different doses of diatomaceous earth decreased in grade 3 - 2 with the treatments T5 (10.00 kg ha-1) and T6 (12.00 kgha-1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]