Advances in the implementation of apivectoring technology in Colombia: Strawberry case (fragaria x ananassa)

Abstract

This paper reports on the implementation of the Apivectoring Technology for the first time in an experimental strawberry crop (Fragaria x ananassa) in Colombia. Honey bees (Apis mellifera) were used as vector of the bio-pesticide Trichoderma harzianum for the control of Botrytis cinerea in an experimental plot of strawberry, in which 6 treatments were established that overspan different agronomic management systems. This study evaluated the foraging preference of the bees in commercial strawberry crop, the floral visitors density, the acquisition of the bio-pesticide by the vector, the distribution of the bio-pesticide in the flowers, fruits and leaves, as well as the impact of the different treatments in the control of B. cinerea and the quality of the fruits. Complementary, an analysis of the commercial potential of the Apivectoring Technology implementation was made, and finally the experience in the transfer of Apivectoring Technology to agricultural producers in Colombia was reviewed.