Use of inoculants as a strategy for sustainable agronomic management in potato (Solanum tuberosum) farms at lima region

Abstract

The potato is a crop originating in Peru with a wide genetic diversity and that currently grows in small farms in more than 300 thousand hectares in Peru, generating rural employment, being therefore a priority to evaluate the sustainability of production systems in accordance with agronomic practices that are environmentally friendly. A research was carried out to determine the effect of inoculation of native bacterial strains on the agronomic performance of potato farms in the Lima region, with agronomic trials being installed in field conditions under the complete blocks design and evaluating agronomic characteristics and productive aspects of the crop. Previously, the degree of environmental sustainability of the potato farms in Lima region was determined through the Sarandon multicriteria analysis. It was determined that the potato farms at Lima region have a low level of environmental sustainability with a value of 1.52 in the weighted scale of indicators used and that it is necessary to implement strategies that reduce the vulnerability of potato farms in terms of conservation of soil life and management of agro-biodiversity. By inoculation with strain AZO16M2 (Azotobacter sp.) significant differences (P < 0.05) were obtained with respect to control without inoculation, increasing the tuber yield and the commercial weight per hectare, with less damage by leafminer fly (Liriomyza huidobrensis) compared to control. It is concluded that the use of growth promoting bacteria in the potato farms can help to reduce the vulnerability of the crop, increasing the level of environmental sustainability at the farm level.