Phytosanitary characterization of coffee production systems (Coffea arabica L.) in Boaco, Nicaragua

Abstract

Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) in Nicaragua is one of the main crop of the agricultural sector; it contributes 8.5% of the national gross domestic product, and 24% to the agricultural gross domestic product; coffee generates 31.5% of the total agricultural workforce. This research characterized phytosanitary coffee production systems, through the collection of information from producers in the municipality of Boaco in 2020. This study identified phytosanitary practices in coffee in Boaco and determined the main pests associated with the cultivation of coffee and its management in the agroecological conditions of Boaco. The study was non-experimental of the quantitative, descriptive type and consisted of visits to farms and coffee producers in the area. Data collection was carried out through a survey. It was found that the majority of coffee producers in Boaco have small farms between 1 to 10 manzanas, synthetic chemical insecticides such as Lorsban® are the most used for the control of coffee pests, the main diseases that attack coffee are Roya (Hemileia vastatrix), Ojo de gallo (Mycena citricolor), Mal de hilachas (Corticium koleroga), Mancha de hierro (Cercospora coffeicola), Anthracnose (Colletotrichums, coffeanum) and vascular wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum, the most common weeds found in coffee are the coyolillo (Dichromena ciliata), the window (Monstera deliciosa), star grass (Cynodon dactylon) and the tiger's hand (Cyperus esculentus).