The valorization of agro-industrial waste represents a pivotal strategy for enhancing the sustainability of horticultural systems in arid regions. This study evaluated the potential of compost derived from sugarcane residues as an ecological alternative to chemical fertilization in the cultivation of Cucurbita moschata (loche), a culturally and economically significant crop on the northern coast of Peru. Four fertilization treatments were compared: conventional mineral fertilization, compost from sugarcane residues enriched with efficient microorganisms, compost supplemented with digestive enzymes, and guano from islands. Physiological parameters (plant vitality, elongation, number of shoots, and SPAD index) and productive indicators (fruit number, length, diameter, and °Brix) were evaluated under dry climatic conditions. Significant differences were observed in SPAD values at 107 days after sowing, with conventional mineral fertilization exhibiting the highest index (51.39 ± 5.4). While yield related traits did not differ statistically among treatments, compost from sugarcane residues enriched with efficient microorganisms showed vegetative development comparable to that of the mineral treatment, along with a positive trend in plant length. No significant differences were observed in fruit quality or number. These results suggest that composted sugarcane residues, especially when enriched with microbial agents, can support crop growth without compromising productivity. This study constitutes the first formal report on the application of sugarcane waste compost in C. moschata cultivation. Its implementation could promote agroecological practices, reduce reliance on mineral.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a strategic crop for global food security, supplying more than 20% of the calories consumed worldwide (Dahlgreen and Parr 2024). In Peru, rice cultivation is particularly ...

Blueberry ( Vaccinium corymbosum L.) production represents one of the main pillars of Peruvian agro-exports; however, its sustainability is increasingly threatened by wood-infecting fungal diseases such as dieback. This study was conducted in the Nuevo Proyecto–Olmos area (Lambayeque, Peru), covering a total cultivated area of 176 ha. The objectives were to molecularly identify the fungal pathogens associated with blueberry dieback to perform a preliminary evaluation of the antagonistic potential of endophytic microorganisms. Pathogens were isolated and characterized using morphological and molecular approaches, followed by pathogenicity tests and in vitro efficacy assays of beneficial microorganisms. Disease incidence was dominated by Lasiodiplodia spp., followed by Neopestalotiopsis , Fusarium , and Diaporthe . Lasiodiplodia theobromae was the most prevalent and aggressive species, confirming its association with the observed disease symptoms. For the genus Lasiodiplodia , temperatures between 25 and 30 °C favored mycelial growth, whereas 20 °C and 35 °C limited development. Endophytic isolates of Trichoderma spp. and Bacillus spp. inhibited pathogen mycelial growth by more than 60% under in vitro conditions. These findings highlight the potential of beneficial microorganisms as preliminary candidates for the biological control of wood-infecting fungi in blueberry production systems.

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) play a pivotal role in sustainable agriculture through the production of phytohormones such as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Among them, Bacillus spp. Are particularly noted for their metabolic versatility and environmental resilience. This study aimed to compare IAA production by free-living versus immobilized Bacillus strains (RC9 and RC15), isolated from coffee rhizospheres, using AMBERJET® 4200 Cl- as a porous solid support. The strains were cultured in a minimal medium supplemented with tryptophan, and IAA synthesis was quantified via colorimetric (Salkowski reagent) and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) methods. Immobilized cells demonstrated significantly higher IAA yields and specific productivity compared to their free-cell counterparts (p < 0.05), even when cell density was suboptimal levels. Notably, the RC9 immobilized derivative outperformed all experimental set ups, suggesting enhanced bioconversion efficiency and possible activation of endogenous biosynthetic pathways. These findings underscore the potential of immobilization technology to optimize microbial auxin production and contribute to the development of bioinoculants for sustainable crop management.

1. The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is one of the most destructive pests of maize and other economically important crops in Peru and worldwide. ...