One of the biggest challenges for the production of bioinputs is that the product is adequately developed. This implies that it contains a sufficient amount of inoculum and that its quality is maintained during storage time. In this sense, the objectives of this work were i) to establish a protocol for the preparation and application of a bioinput based on Trichoderma harzianum and ii) to develop a protocol for family producers on the correct use of the bioinput produced. For the multiplication of T. harzianum, rice grains were used as a solid substrate. Polyethylene bags were prepared with 30 g of rice plus 15 mL of sterile distilled water. The bags were sterilized and seeded with a culture of T. harzianum. The bags were incubated at room temperature for 10 days. Once the rice was colonized, it was dried in an oven at 50° C for 24 h. The quality was evaluated one month, three and six months after the preparation of the solid product. To do this, the concentration of conidia was calculated by counting in the Neubauer chamber and the viability of the product was also calculated by counting colony-forming units of Trichoderma in Trichoderma selective medium culture medium. The results obtained indicate that the concentration of conidia in the solid substrate remains high up to six months of storage. A protocol of use was developed for producers.

The Valle Bonaerense del Río Colorado (VBRC) has proven to be agroclimatically suitable of strawberry production (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.). However, pathogenic soil fungi that affect this crop have been detected in the region, causing reductions in fruit production and plant death. The objective of this work was to evaluate alternative methods to methyl bromide (MB) for soil disinfection in strawberry cultivation and determine their effect on fruit production and plant survival in the VBRC. Three chemical methods were evaluated: the mixture 1,3-dichloropropene+chloropicrin (1,3-D:Pic), metam sodium and the mixture 1,3-D:Pic with subsequent applications of Trichoderma harzianumto the soil. The trial included the cultivars San Andreas and Sweet Ann and lasted two years. The fruit was classified as commercial and non-commercial, the number of dead plants was recorded according to treatments, and weekly monitoring of pests and diseases was carried out. In all treatments with chemical disinfection, plant survival in the second year was higher than soil without disinfection; however, no differences in yield were observed between treatments in either year. Inoculation with T. harzianum did not demonstrate beneficial effects on survival and fruit yield. The chemical methods evaluated, which could replace MB, would be appropriate to achieve greater plant survival in the second year of a biennial strawberry crop in the VBRC.

The objective of this review is to highlight the potential and feasibility of the cultivation of native species of the sub-Andean Yungas, Physalis peruviana and P. pubescens, in Argentina. Both species produce fruits with similar characteristics, being almost indistinguishable. Some names of the fruit are Physalis, cape gooseberry, capulí, aguaymanto, Cape goosberry or goldenberry. It is an exotic fruit of worldwide growing interest, mainly for its nutraceutical properties and excellent prices in Europe and the US, where it is considered a "speciality" fruit. It grows in environments with thermal ranges from 5 to 35°C, with a base temperature of 6.29°C and an optimal temperature of 21°C, requiring a constant supply of water, with demands in the range of 1000 to 1800 mm of precipitation, well distributed throughout the year. The main pests are Epitrix cucumeris (Coleoptera), Chloridea (Heliothis) subflexa (Lepidoptera) and Liriomyza sp. (Diptera). The most important pathogen is Fusarium oxysporum, followed by Phoma sp., Pythium sp., Cercospora physalidis and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The fruit can be affected by postharvest pathogens such as Botrytis sp., Cladosporium, Pestalotia and Phomopsis. In Tucumán, INTA-Famaillá carried out adaptation tests with both Physalis species, verifying their agronomic viability. Argentina’s northwestern region has developed as an agro-export hub for fresh berries to the northern hemisphere, where the main consumer markets for goldenberry are located, constituting an opportunity. The processing of goldenberry allows the production of stable, sensory-pleasant products, broadening the possibilities of commercialization, and allowing the addition of value (pulp, nectars, juices, jams, dehydrated products, energy bars, sauces, ice cream, etc.).

Measurement of plant physiological response to stress or practices for its alleviation is useful for non-destructive evaluation and early diagnosis. The aim of this work was to study physiological effect of the use of phytohormones on tomato crop in soil infested by Nacobbus aberrans. The essay was carried out under a greenhouse located in EE Julio Hirschhorn (La Plata, Buenos Aires). Tomato Elpida was treated by drench, 24 hours pre-transplanting with 1 ml of: salicilic acid 0.50 x 10-4 M and 1.00 x 10-4 M, ethylen 0.35 x 10-3 M and 0.70 x 10-3 M, jasmonic acid 1.00 x 10-4 M and 1.00 x 10-5 M, using plants without treatment as control. It was recorded gas exchange: CO2 net assimilation rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration and instant water use efficiency, leaf temperature and greenness index. Statistical design was a randomized complete block with 4 replications. Variance analysis and Tukey test were applied. Gas exchange was not modified by treatments. Leaf temperature was significant lesser with salicylic acid 1.00 x 10-4 M, which increased the greenness index; variable that was lower in control plants. Increasing resistance in tomato against N. aberrans by salicylic acid and the measurement of physiological variables to check the response of the plant are promising possibilities.

The objective of this study was to analyze the agronomic performance and the grain quality of different accessions of mustard in San Pedro, Buenos Aires province. Phenology, yield components, chemical composition, and the effect of plagues and diseases were evaluated on different accessions of yellow (MA) and brown (MM) mustard. The evaluated cultivars were from Canada (Centennial and Andante), Japan (Golden and Ruby), USA (Ida Gold) and Argentina (Delfina INTA). Yields in MA are dependent on the amount of water received, the degree days, and radiation (R2 = 87.88%), while MM mustards are mainly dependent on received radiation (R2 = 88.85%). Water requirements were between 350 and 450 mm for maximum potential. Yields in San Pedro are comparable to obtained in the main producing countries. The weight of 1,000 seeds was lower than the obtained in other countries. This situation could be improved by adjusting fertilization and plant density. The observed plagues and diseases can be controlled through a proper agronomic management. The lack of registered agrochemicals for this crop by SENASA is limiting. Glucosinolate content was lower, and erucic acid content was higher than those found in mustard in other countries, while the fat acid content was the same.