Análisis de concentración de ozono para el control del crecimiento de la Moniliophthora roreri (Monilia) en laboratorio.

Abstract

The production of cocoa in Latin America is of greater importance because the plant Theobroma cacao is native to the Central and South America. The cacao tree adapts to the climatic conditions from Mexico to Peru, being provided by a suitable type of soil and by the agrometeorological conditions suitable for its development. However, the incorrect use and production management of this tree is reflected in the low production of the fruit, obtaining less yield and loss of harvest, being the cause of up to 80%. One of the main cultural activities of the plantation is the pruning since it avoids a severe growth of the branches, high percentage of humidity and the proliferation of fungus. Thus, we avoid the presence of pests and diseases within the crop in which the Moniliophthora roreri (commonly known as Monilia) is the cause of con rot, this is a pathogenic fungus that adapts to conditions of wet areas and poor clarity. Moniliophthora roreri begins to settle in the fruit destroying its physical and chemical conditions and giving an unpleasant aspect where disadvantages its commercialization. Farmers opt for the use of fungal chemical products (fungicides) to counteract this fungus, contributing as a negative effect to the environment and the production’s cost. Ozone being a molecule of purer state of oxygen acts as a disinfectant against the fungus, therefore, it can be an alternative to counteract pathogens in agriculture. This work is based on the isolation of the monilia fungus at laboratory level. Performing applications of ozonated water in different doses of ppm, and acting as an inhibitor of the growth of the monilia fungus. Statistical analysis of a DCA was carried out using the Duncan test, Student's T test and with the help of the Infostat program. Where it could be determined that treatments with doses greater than 2 ppm of ozone in the water are more efficient to allow the fungus not to develop in the culture medium.