Evaluation of biorational insecticides as an IPM strategy to control pests of (Lupinus mutabilis)

In this research conducted in Plaza Arenas, 11 de Noviembre parish, Latacunga canton, Cotopaxi, the use of biorational insecticides as a strategy of Integrated Pest Management in the cultivation of chocho (Lupinus mutabilis) was evaluated. The aim was to determine the incidence of pests in the different phenological stages of the crop and to identify the most effective treatments for their control. The experimental design used was a completely randomised block design with six treatments and three replicates, totaling 18 experimental units in a total area of 700 m². Data analysis was performed by ANOVA using Infostad software, evaluating the effect of treatments on the percentage of pest control. The results indicated that T4 (chemical) it was the most optimal in the cotyledon stage, registering the lowest pest incidence (0.33%). On the other hand, T3 (Neem) it was the most significant during the development stages, flowering and sheathing stages, achieving control averages of 8.67%, 6.33% and 6.33%, respectively. The study concluded that treatments T3 (Neem) and T4 (chemical) were the most significant for the control of key pests, such as borers, stalk borers, bugs and coleoptera. In addition, azadirachtin, the main active ingredient of neem, as a sustainable and consistent alternative for integrated pest management, contributing to reduce the use of chemicals and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.