Control Alternatives for Dactylonectria Torresensis in Blackberry

Black foot disease (Dactylonectria torresensis) in blackberry cultivation (Rubus glaucus) is a recent problem in Ecuador, where its management has based on agrochemicals, which can be harmful to health and the environment. This study aimed to evaluate more sustainable alternatives for controlling the disease caused by this pathogen. Initially, different propagules were evaluated to induce the disease in plants of blackberry Castilla. Subsequently, biological products (three strains of Trichoderma spp.), organic products (flavonoids and Myrtaceae extract), and chemical products (azoxystrobin, propiconazole, carbendazim, and copper sulfate pentahydrate) were tested under greenhouse conditions. The main results indicated that carbendazim, Myrtaceae extract, Trichoderma spp., propiconazole, and copper sulfate pentahydrate were effective in reducing the pathogen severity, showing root collar necrosis percentages of 21.25%, 35.50%, 43.58%, 44.92%, and 47.92%, respectively, which was, significantly lower than the untreated control, which presented 73.75%. This study provides valuable guidance for developing more sustainable and effective management strategies for controlling black foot disease in blackberries, integrating the identified products into a fungicide rotation scheme as a component of integrated crop management.