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The germination and viability of pollen are characteristics required for fecundation when individuals of different or the same species are crossed. For this reason, assessing these parameters in selected individuals to be used in breeding programs will increase the chances for the obtainment of new progeny. In this study, pollen from different accessions of the red-purple tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Cav.) was used: local cultivar (Morado Puntón), two commercial varieties (Large Red and Oratia Red) and six segregants [(Solanum unilobum x Solanum betaceum) x Solanum betaceum]. Three types of flowers were taken (A-day of anthesis, B-one day after anthesis, and C-two days after anthesis). The pollen was conserved in two temperatures (4° and 22° C) and four storage times (0, 5, 10, 20 days). The percentage of germination and pollen viability of the selected individuals were evaluated. It was observed that the commercial materials showed higher germination percentages than the segregants in flower A and B at a temperature of 4 ° C at all storage times, except for the segregants GT7P47 and GT7P48 at the same temperature on day 0. In addition, high percentages of viability were obtained both in flowers A and B, at both temperatures and at all storage times. However, the immediate use of pollen after it is collected is recommended because better germination is achieved. This study is helpful to improve breeding procedures in the initial stages of directed crosses.

Hibiscus latent Fort Pierce virus (HLFPV) is a member of the genus Tobamovirus (family Virgaviridae) and a common virus infecting members of the family Malvaceae. This research presents the first report of HLFPV detection in hibiscus plants with viral symptoms and the use of high throughput sequencing (HTS) to detect this virus in a water source in Ecuador. The near complete genome (99.41%) of HLFPV was assembled.

Soursop (Annona muricata L.) germplasm, from the central region of the Ecuadorian littoral, has diverse phenotypic characteristics, which have been little studied. The main objective of this research was to characterize in situ the morphological variability of 60 accessions of soursop. The morphological traits were evaluated using 20 quantitative and 10 qualitative variables of the plant and the fruit. Multivariate statistical methods were used as principal components, hierarchical conglomerate aggregation, discriminant and correlation analysis (Pearson) were performed. Descriptive analysis such as central tendency and dispersion (coefficient of variation, range, mean and standard deviation) were determined for the quantitative data; while frequencies were calculated for qualitative data. In terms of morphological traits, 74 % of the total variability was explained by the fourth component. Three conglomerates of similarity were formed, in which the height, diameter of canopy and fruit number per tree, were the characters of greater contribution for its conformation., El germoplasma de guanábana (Annona muricata L.) de la región central del litoral ecuatoriano tiene diversas características fenotípicas, que han sido poco estudiadas. El objetivo principal de esta investigación fue caracterizar in situ la variabilidad morfológica de 60 plantas de guanábana. Los rasgos morfológicos se evaluaron utilizando 20 variables cuantitativas y 10 cualitativas de la planta y el fruto. Para ello, se utilizaron métodos estadísticos multivariados como componentes principales, se realizó agregación jerárquica de conglomerados, análisis discriminante y de correlación (Pearson). Se determinaron análisis descriptivos tales como tendencia central y dispersión (coeficiente de variación, rango, media y desviación estándar) para los datos cuantitativos; mientras que las frecuencias se calcularon para datos cualitativos. En términos de rasgos morfológicos, el cuarto componente explica el 74% de la variabilidad total. Se formaron tres conglomerados de similitud, en los que la altura, el diámetro del dosel y el número de frutos por árbol, fueron los caracteres de mayor contribución para su conformación.

El cultivo de mora de castilla (Rubus glaucus) es de mucha importancia para los agricultores ya que deben implementar prácticas culturales que permitan reducir el uso de pesticidas sintéticos. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de diferentes alternativas tecnológicas para el control de Botrytis sp. en el cultivo de mora de castilla. Los tratamientos fueron 1: Testigo absoluto (silwet + agua), 2: Fungicida tradicional sintético (Carbendazim), 3: Extracto de mirtáceas (Iridium®), 4: Metabolitos bacterianos (Balus®) y 5: Trichoderma spp. (Tricomix®). Las aplicaciones se realizaron cada 15 días para el producto sintético y cada 8 días los biológicos, orgánicos y el testigo. Se utilizó un diseño de bloques completamente al azar (DBCA) con 3 repeticiones y un total de 10 unidades experimentales. Las variables estudiadas del fruto fueron: incidencia de Botrytis sp. (%), rendimiento (g/parcela), peso (g), diámetro polar y ecuatorial (mm), firmeza (N), sólidos solubles totales (Brix), acidez (% ácido cítrico) y pH (log H+). Se realizó un análisis de varianza y prueba de Tukey al 5 %. A partir de un análisis de incidencia semanal, se identificó que Carbendazim, Trichoderma spp. y extracto mirtáceas tuvieron un control en la incidencia de Botrytis sp. en el fruto de mora de castilla.

El género Rubus es uno de los más diversos en términos morfológicos y genéticos, presentando un amplio espectro de especies silvestres y cultivadas que son apetecidas por sus frutos comestibles. En Ecuador, el cultivo de mora (R. glaucus y Rubus sp.) está presente a lo largo del callejón interandino, entre 2000 y 3100 msnm. Este frutal es un rubro de importancia económica por su alta demanda para consumo en fresco y procesado. Esta investigación se ejecutó en la Granja Experimental Tumbaco del INIAP (Ecuador) con el objetivo de encontrar caracteres que permitan diferenciar morfológica, fenológica y pomológicamente cuatro cultivares de mora (Castilla, Andimora, Colombiana y Brazos). Mediante análisis multivariado se formaron tres conglomerados (C). Los cultivares Andimora y Colombiana (C3) no poseen espinas a diferencia de Castilla (C2) y Brazos (C1) que las tienen presentes. Colombiana fue el cultivar más precoz (161 días de brotación a cosecha) y Castilla el más tardío (186 días). Brazos presentó el mayor peso de fruto (5.85 g). Andimora alcanzó el mayor contenido de sólidos solubles (11.86 ºBrix) y tuvo frutos firmes. Los caracteres diferenciantes observados en este estudio permiten establecer parámetros de distinción entre los cultivares que son actualmente cultivados en el Ecuador.

The fruit borer, Neoleucinodes elegantalis (Guenee 1854) is the main pest infesting naranjilla crop (Solanum quitoense) in Ecuador, causing up to 70% loss of production. This research describes the biology of this insect in a laboratory environment simulating the subtropical environment of the Amazonian Andes (average temperature of 24 ± 1 °C and relative humidity of 85%). Adult insects were sexed, a population created with a ratio of two males for each female and larvae were reared in unripe naranjilla fruits. Eggs were placed on the fruit in masses of 3 to 15 units. Five larval instars were confirmed according to width of the cephalic capsules with a total larval duration of 20.4 ± 0.13 days. The pupal stage lasted 13.02 ± 0.35 days. Male adults had longevity of 10.06 ± 1.75 days and females 10.86 ± 1.30 days. Finally, pre-oviposition period lasted 2.67 ± 0.72 days, oviposition 4.33 ± 1.90 days and post-oviposition 3.87 ± 1.13 days.

Mora de Castilla (Rubus glaucus, Benth), also called blackberry, is grown mainly in Colombia and Ecuador. This fruit crop is of economic importance for farmers in the Province of Tungurahua (Ecuador). In this field research, the effect of Trichoderma asperellum (1.53 × 109 CFU/g) inoculation was assessed on crop yield and fruit weight at three production sites (Huachi Grande, Pillaro and Tisaleo in Ecuador). Factorial experiments were conducted consisting of treatments of 0.18 g of a commercial product per plant and a second uninoculated treatment). The product was applied eight times per month and the weekly fruit harvest recorded in each of the eight applications. The inoculation of T. asperellum had a significant effect on crop yield and fruit weight: yield was greatest in Tisaleo (5350 g/plant) with T. asperellum treatment, which was increased by 17% over the uninoculated witness (4447 g/plant). Fruit weight in Pillaro was improved from 5.36 g/fruit for the uninoculated control to 6.04 g/fruit (12.6%). Additionally, the organic matter (OM) content was correlated with the fungal population in the soil. Tisaleo had the highest OM (4%) and the highest yield in this study. In conclusion, the inoculation of T. asperellum in the soil positively affected crop productivity.

The province of Tungurahua is well known for the production of deciduous fruit trees in Ecuador, however, its production is impacted by some issues that affect productivity. The purpose of this investigation was to conduct a diagnosis of the production system of deciduous fruit trees in 6 locations in Tungurahua province. Surveys were carried out to obtain information on 117 production units (farms). A regression model was used to determine the relationship between the variables and their incidence in the production system. The results showed that peach ( Prunus persica ) is the fruit crop with highest yield (16.19 t ha-1), followed by apple ( Malus domestica ) (13.36 t ha-1) and pear ( Pyrus communis ) (13.15 t ha-1). Apple cultivars Emilia and Golden Delicious, cv. Uvilla of pear and Conservero Amarillo of peach were the most cultivated in Tungurahua. The main factors that influenced the farmer income were: Land area used for cultivation, reason for growing fruit trees, age of the producer, fruit selection and type of production. It is necessary to advocate to expand the cultivated land area of these fruit crops in order to satisfy local demand and compete with imports of these fruits.

Avocado is a fruit crop of high economic importance for Ecuador, both locally and for exportation. Fuerte and Hass varieties are cultivated, both of which are grafted onto rootstocks from the cultivar Criollo. The growth of rootstocks in the nursery is a critical stage in the production of avocado plants, and application of beneficial microorganisms could be used to improve plant nutrition and growth of the rootstocks. In this research, the effect of inoculation of Trichoderma harzianum or Glomus iranicum var. tenuihypharum on avocado rootstock seedlings (cultivar Criollo) was evaluated. Application of T. harzianum significantly increased the absorption of N5+ and Mg2+ in the roots; while in the aerial parts (leaves and stem), it increased the absorption of N5+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Mn2+ and Cu2+. On the other hand, G. iranicum var. tenuihypharum significantly increased the absorption of Ca2+ and Fe3+ in the root; but no major effect was observed in the aerial part. However, a positive tendency toward an increase in the amount of P5+ was observed in the root; while in the aerial part this trend was observed for N3- and Ca2+ absorption. Neither of the two microorganisms influenced the absorption of S4+, an element that was present at stable levels in the whole plant. In conclusion, the applied microorganisms produced an increase in absorption of several macro and micronutrient in Criollo avocado rootstock seedlings.

El género Trichoderma y en menor grado Purpureocillium, han sido estudiados ampliamente por sus propiedades como microorganismos benéficos y su eficacia en el control de enfermedades. Sin embargo, la eficacia biológica, no es el único parámetro que se considera al momento de formular un microorganismo; la viabilidad, la pureza y la concentración en la formulación, son características importantes para asegurar el éxito en campo. El propósito de este estudio fue probar distintos tipos de formulaciones (gránulos, polvos, líquidos) registrar su comportamiento en el tiempo, utilizando las variables viabilidad, concentración y pureza para seleccionar las mejores formulaciones en función de estos parámetros. Como resultado se obtuvo que los bioformulados a base de T. asperellum presentaron mayor estabilidad durante el almacenamiento, siendo más estables las formulaciones sólidas secas en comparación con los productos líquidos. En los formulados para P. lilacinum, se observó que la presentación de polvos mojables mostró la concentración y la estabilidad más alta en el tiempo.

Objectives: This research aims to evaluate the efficiency of the use of native mycorrhizae on seedling growth of avocado to produce high quality avocado plants. Methods: Root and soil sampling was done in 14 avocado production sites from Interandean valleys of Ecuador. Native mycorrhizae inoculum and two control treatments (commercial product and absolute control without inoculation) were evaluated in both seed and seedlings. A randomized complete block design was applied for the trails. Analysis of variance was run to determine statistical differences and the Tukey test at 5% was used to determine ranges of significance. Findings: Soils showing largest number of spores and highest percentage of mycorrhizal colonization were collected in Tumbabiro (Imbabura) and San Jose de Minas (Pichincha). Compared to the absolute control, an increase in total phosphorus and dry matter content of 84% and 100%, respectively, was observed in trap plants. Using inoculum from Tumbabiro and San Jose de Minas to inoculate avocado seeds and seedlings, dry matter content increased by 44% while the percentage of total phosphorus increased by 42% compared to the controls. Although acceptable results were obtained with the commercial product about the percentage of phosphorus and dry matter, poor percentages of root colonization were obtained; whereas the native inoculum from Tumbabiro and San Jose de Minas produced better results improving avocado seedling growth in nursery. Application/Improvements: This research allows us to infer that native mycorrhizal strains are effective as inoculum to enhance the development of avocado seedlings.

Several fruit crops that are native to the Andes hold significant potential for growing their market share. International demand for these commodities is often unmet as phytosanitary issues hinder their production and exportation. In this chapter we describe the main diseases affecting the most relevant Andean fruits grown in Ecuador, including tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Cav.), naranjilla (Solanum quitoense Lam.), babaco (Vasconcellea × heilbornii), blackberry (Rubus glaucus Benth.), and cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.), and examine current research aiming to improve integrated management of such diseases. Even though symptoms associated with viral, fungal, and bacterial diseases are common in most Andean fruit crops in Ecuador, their etiology is often unknown. In recent years, several causal agents of prevalent Andean fruit diseases have been described and characterized, but some remain elusive, constituting a threat for productivity. Black foot of blackberry caused by Ilyonectria and Dactylonectria species, and babaco mosaic virus infection are examples of plant diseases that have only been described in Ecuador. Although research on Andean fruit diseases is still lacking, tools for adequate treatment, timely diagnosis, and propagation of healthy plant material are now available or under development. Such efforts will likely result in increased fruit production and a better phytosanitary landscape that will aid in opening new markets for Andean fruit exportation.

Andean blackberries (Rubus glaucus Benth) are fruits rich in phytocomponents with high antioxidant activity. In this work, the changes in the total polyphenol content (TPC), the total flavonoid content (TFC), and the total anthocyanin content (TAC) of four blackberry varieties at three maturity stages (E1-25%, E2-50%, and E3-100%) were measured. The antioxidant activity (AA) was evaluated using the 2,2&rsquo, azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazolin 6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods. TPC and TFC content decreased with the increase in the maturity stage. The blackberry Brazos cultivar presented TPC values of 51.26, 38.16, and 31.59 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry weight (DW) at E1, E2, and E3, respectively. The TAC and soluble solids increased with the increase in the maturity stage of the fruits. The Andimora variety at E3 presented a high TPC content, and the Colombiana variety presented a high TFC content. The blackberry Colombiana cultivar presented TAC values of 1.40, 2.95, and 12.26 mg cy-3-glu/100g DW at E1, E2, and E3, respectively. The blackberry Colombiana cultivar presented a high AA value at 1278.63 &micro, mol TE/g DW according to the ABTS method and 1284.55 &micro, mol TE/g DW according to the FRAP method. The TPC and TFC showed a high correlation with the AA according to the ABTS and the FRAP methods. The Pearson correlation between the TFC and AA/ABTS has a value of r = 0.92. The TFC and AA/FRAP present a value of r = 0.94.

Andean blackberry (Rubus glaucus Benth) plants from the provinces of Tungurahua and Bolivar (Ecuador) started showing symptoms of black foot disease since 2010. Wilted plants were sampled in both provinces from 2014 to 2017, and fungal isolates were obtained from tissues surrounding necrotic lesions in the cortex of the roots and crown. Based on morphological characteristics and DNA sequencing of histone 3 and the translation elongation factor 1&alpha, gene, isolates were identified as one of seven species, Ilyonectria vredehoekensis, Ilyonectria robusta, Ilyonectria venezuelensis, Ilyonectria europaea, Dactylonectria torresensis, or Dactylonectria novozelandica. Pathogenicity tests with isolates from each species, excluding I. europaea and D. novozelandica whose isolates were lost due to contamination, confirmed that the four species tested can produce black foot disease symptoms in Andean blackberry. This is the first report of Dactylonectria and Ilyonectria species causing black foot disease of Andean blackberry.

Tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Cav.) is an economically important fruit crop in Ecuador. The symptoms of higher virus-related incidence in plantations located in Pichincha and Tungurahua correspond to yellowing, mosaic, leaf deformation and blistering. This research carried out a diagnosis of the viruses present in these production areas using molecular techniques (RT-PCR) and electron microscopy. The identified viruses belonged to the genera Potyvirus (Potato virus Y; PVY), Polerovirus (Potato leaf roll virus; PLRV) and Tobamovirus (Tomato mosaic virus;ToMV), constituting a viral complex of at least two of the three viruses found. The symptomatology related to PVY was spots with tan or oily appearance and leaf deformation; in addition to these symptoms, yellowing and chlorosis were related to PLRV. Foliar blistering was related to the occurrence of the three viruses. The results indicated the presence of the three viruses in Tumbaco (Pichincha) and two (PLRV and PVY) in Pelileo (Tungurahua). PLRV was found in the 100% of the total samples, PVY in 50% of the Pelileo's samples and ToMV only in Tumbaco. ToMV virus has been detected for the first time infecting tree tomato in Ecuador.

There is a high incidence of the nematode Meloidogyne incognita in several economically important species of Solanaceae. This nematode causes damage to the roots, leading even to the death ofthe plant, causing economic losses for the producer. This research was carried out in greenhouse to assess the response of five species of wild Solanaceae (Solanum auriculatum, S.hirtum, S.hispidum,S.arboreum and Nicotiana glauca) to the infestation of M. incognita was evaluated. A randomized block design with three replicates was used. The initial inoculum was obtained from infested roots of treetomato (S. betaceum Cav.), which was propagated in kidney tomato plants (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) hibrid ‘Sheila’ which was used to inoculate the wild Solanaceae plus two susceptible controls (S. betaceum and S. quitoense) were inoculated with a dose of 2500 larvae. According to the reproduction factor of the nematode, S. arboreum, S. hirtum and N. glauca showed resistance because obtained values less than 1. In addition, S. hirtum (14.88) and N. glauca (22.67) showed the lowest number of root knots. In terms of foliage yield (dry weight), a response of tolerance was observed in all species except for the controls. It can be concluded that S. hirtum (compatible with S. quitoense - naranjilla) and N. glauca (compatible with S. betaceum - tree tomato) might be used as rootstocks of Solanaceae fruit crops of commercial importance in Ecuador, contributing to the integrated fruit production system. Existe una alta incidencia del nematodo Meloidogyne incognita en varias especies Solanáceas de importancia económica. Este nematodo causa daño a las raíces, llevando incluso a la muertede la planta, causando pérdidas económicas para el productor. Esta investigación se llevó a cabo en invernadero para evaluar la respuesta de cinco especies de solanáceas silvestres (Solanumauriculatum, S. hirtum, S. hispidum, S. arboreum y Nicotiana glauca) a la infestación de M. incognita. Se utilizó un diseño de bloques al azar con tres repeticiones. Se obtuvo el inóculo inicial de raíces infestadas de tomate de árbol (S. betaceum Cav.), el cual se propagó en tomate riñón (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) híbrido ‘Sheila’ y se inoculó las Solanáceas silvestres más dos controles susceptibles (S. betaceum y S. quitoense) con una dosis de 2500 larvas. De acuerdo al factor de reproducción del nematodo, S. arboreum, S. hirtum y N. glauca presentaron resistencia porque obtuvieron valores menor a 1. Además, S. hirtum (14,88) y N. glauca (22,67) presentaron el menor número de agallas en las raíces. En términos de rendimiento de follaje (peso seco), se observó una respuesta de tolerancia en todas las especies excepto en las plantas control. Se puede concluir que S. hirtum (compatiblecon S. quitoense - naranjilla) y N. glauca (compatible con tomate de árbol -S. betaceum) podrían ser utilizados como portainjertos de Solanáceas de importancia comercial en Ecuador.

Cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.) is native to the inter-Andean valleys of southern Ecuador and northern Peru. In Ecuador, the yield of this fruit crop is low, mainly due to agricultural management problems and poor fertilization. This research aims to assess the effect of native mycorrhizal fungi on seedling growth of cherimoya (cultivar 'Cangahua'). Sampling of soil and roots was carried out in 14 production sites of cherimoya. Soils that obtained the largest number of spores and greatest percentage of mycorrhizal colonization were those collected in Tumbabiro (plot 10), Gonzanamá, Paute and San Francisco de Atahualpa. These soils were used to propagate the inoculums in trap plants (Sorghum vulgare) and subsequently, they were used to inoculate the seeds and seedlings of cherimoya. There was no statistical difference to jointly analyze the results obtained in the inoculated seeds and seedlings. However, independently, the inoculum coming from the soil of Tumbabiro obtained the best results by doubling the content of total phosphorus and 47% increase in dry matter in cherimoya seedlings compared to control.

espanolCopidosoma sp. (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), Lyxophaga sp. (Diptera: Tachinidae), Bracon sp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) y Chelonus sp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) son reportados por primera vez infectando pupas del barrenador del fruto Neoleucinodes elegantalis (Guenee) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) de Solanum quitoense and Solanum betaceum en Ecuador. Identificandose enemigos naturales en Ecuador para incorporarlos en estrategias de control biologico sustentable para un manejo integrado de N. elegantalis en cultivos fruticolas. EnglishCopidosoma sp. (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), Lyxophaga sp. (Diptera: Tachinidae), Bracon sp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and Chelonus sp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) are reported for the first time infecting pupae of the fruit borer Neoleucinodes elegan-talis (Guenee) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) from Solanum quitoense and Solanum betaceum in Ecuador. Determining the natural enemies in Ecuador useful in sustainable biological control strategies for integrated management of N. elegantalis in fruit crops.

Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) is an economically important fruit for farmers of the inter-Andean valleys of Ecuador, South America. Insectinfested fruits were sampled in the locality of Perucho (Pichincha Province). The larvae obtained from the interior of the fruit were cultured in insect cages to obtain adults. Morphological observations of characteristics of the larval stage, and male and female genitalia at the adult stage confirmed the taxonomic description of the species Gynmandrosoma aurantianum (Lima) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). According to our knowledge, this is the first report of mandarin being infested by G. aurantianum in Ecuador.

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) is a native of tropical America and is cultivated throughout tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It belongs to the family Passifloraceae and is commonly known as yellow passion fruit, maracuya, yellow granadilia and pommelianejaume (Sunitha and Devaki 2009). Ecuador is the main exporter of maracuya pulp in the world. It is grown in an area of 13,389 ha, with a production of 58,522 tonnes (Source: General System Coordination of National Information, MAGAP, 2016 During September 2015, mosaic, blistering, curling and necrosis symptoms were seen on passion fruit plants in Quevedo, Los Rios. Ten seedlings of Cucurbita pepo (squash) were inoculated with sap from passion fruit symptomatic leaves, using 0.01 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.0). Vein clearing and blistering symptoms were observed 11 days post inoculation (dpi). Field infected and sap inoculated passion fruit and C. pepo samples showed positive reactions against Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) polyclonal antibod...

Soursop (Annona muricata L.) is a subtropical fruit tree very desirable for the flavor of its fruit and its nutritional value. In Ecuador, this fruit species grows endemically in the south of Manabi. For this reason the aim of this research was to characterize molecularly a population of 60 individuals distributed in four counties (Jipijapa, Pajan, 24 de Mayo and Olmedo) of this province. Plant DNA was extracted and amplified using 8 ISSR molecular markers. All the markers were informative; however, ISSR 824 and ISSR 873 stood out because they obtained the highest PIC value (0.29). Four groups were formed, with group 2 involving the largest number of individuals, including the entire population of Jipijapa and the highest proportion of the population of 24 de Mayo. Results showed a moderate genetic variability of the study population. This research provides information on the diversity of A. muricata in order to promote future advances in fruit breeding in Ecuador.