M. Mercedes Maldonado González

Dr. M. Mercedes Maldonado González


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

6Years (2021-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
19 June 2021 in Journal of Fungi
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
APAlejandra J. Porteous-Álvarez
Alejandra J. Porteous-Álvarez
MGM. Mercedes Maldonado González
M. Mercedes Maldonado González
Sara Mayo-PrietoSara Mayo-Prieto
Sara Mayo-Prieto
ALAlicia Lorenzana
Alicia Lorenzana
APAna I. Paniagua-García
Ana I. Paniagua-García
Pedro A. CasqueroPedro A. Casquero
Pedro A. Casquero
Humulus lupulus L. is a long-lived, perennial, herbaceous, and dioecious climbing plant. The foremost producers in the European Union are Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovenia, and Spain. The Spanish cultivated area is concentrated in the province of León. Powdery mildew, caused by Podosphaera macularis, menaces hop production and quality in all hop growing regions located in the Northern hemisphere, colonizing leaves, petioles, inflorescences, and finally cones. In this work, powdery mildew control was monitored, comparing nine fungicide strategies: five organics, two integrated disease management (IDM)-based, with and without Nutragreen® nanoscale carrier, and two conventional treatments (CON) with and without Nutragreen® nanoscale carrier. The organic treatments were able to diminish P. macularis on leaves, but no effect was observed in cones. CON treatments reduced the infection on leaves and cones and increased the cone quantity and quality. Likewise, IDM-based treatments provided satisfactory results as they diminished powdery mildew on leaves and cones. Finally, dose reduction using a Nutragreen® nanoscale carrier showed beneficial effects in the control of powdery mildew compared to the commercial dose. Hence, the use of nanoscale carries permits a 30% reduction in pesticide dose, which optimizes yield and hop quality, reduces risks linked to pesticides, and aids in compliance with public and international policy demands.