Current asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) production and vermicompost usage in Atenco, State of México, and potential of leachates for rhizome rot control

Objective: To describe the current, agronomic, and socioeconomic situation of the production of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) and the use of vermicompost, and to determine if vermicompost leachates can suppress asparagus rhizome rot caused by Fusarium proliferatum, in the municipality of Atenco, State of Mexico. Design/Methodology/Approach: Asparagus producers from the municipality of Atenco were surveyed. Additionally, two greenhouse experiments were carried out using soil from the same area. A completely randomized design was used to evaluate 14 treatments. Non-parametric statistical tests were used to analyze the results. Findings/Conclusions: Although it faces organizational and technical limitations, asparagus is currently a profitable crop for the producers of Atenco. The intensive use of agrochemical inputs characterizes the production system. However, an increasing number of producers have begun to explore and implement the use of biological amendments as a strategy to transition toward a more sustainable production model. Vermicompost leachates made from sheep and cow manure had the potential to promote asparagus growth in the absence of pathogens; however, they did not reduce the rhizome damage caused by F. proliferatum.