Caracterización y control de la caída foliar en pinos de Puebla

Since 2014, different species of pines of Sierra Norte de Puebla have shown important defoliations. In the present study, causal agents were characterized and the effectiveness of chemical and biological products for the control of foliar shedding in the pines of Puebla was assessed. Three experimental sites were established in the Tetela de Ocampo (1) and Zautla municipalities (2). An experimental design was applied as random blocks with seven treatments (T): 1) Propiconazole, 2) Trichoderma sp., 3) potassium bicarbonate, 4) biological enhancer, 5) Chlorothalonil, 6) Control treatment and 7) Propiconazole + biological improver. The assessed variables were the percentage of damage to the crown and the affected surface of the leaf. Foliar shedding of pines is associated with different agents, among which fungi genera Pestalotiopsis and Lophodermium and insect Ocoaxo aff. fowleri stand out; however, in the study sites, these agents were not constantly found. The pines with T4, T3 and T7 presented a lower percentage of affectation in the foliage by fall. Results indicate that the use of biological products offers a viable alternative for the control of the agent of foliar shedding of pine, since in addition, it is environment friendly.