Farmer accompaniment settlement Guacamaya, Aragua state, in the use of biotechnology for improving productivity in the cultivation of papaya

Abstract

Escuela Socialista de Agricultura Tropical (ESAT) arranged to support communities through approaches and knowledge exchange as a strategy to shore up the plans in the agricultural sector proposed by the Government. The activities were implemented in the farmer settlement “Guacamaya”, according to the needs and demands raised by the farmers of the papaya crop, and included a sampling of leaves with viral symptoms and DAS-ELISA technique laboratory analysis, seed germination tests and establishment of Vitro plants by the Autotrophic Hydroponic System (AHS) and field planting. Conditions and agricultural inputs available in the area were characterized by direct consultation with community leaders. Tested treatments used plantlet establishment with SAH showed no significant differences; therefore the use of local inputs resulted in more convenient, accessible and affordable. Pregermination treatment achieved seed germination 43.33%. Papaya ringspot virus was detected in leaf samples and consensual control measures were performed. It was demonstrated that communication strategies used: meetings, workshops, brochures, and leaflets, promoted knowledge socialization and the mutual exchange of information, and it was possible to sensitize producers about the importance of phytosanitary diagnosis and agronomical management during the production to improve rural agricultural systems