Integrated Pest and Disease Management. By implementing this practice, coffee producers control pests through various methods including: mechanical (cultivation, planting schedules, etc.); biological (natural enemies of pests such as Lecanicillium lecanii to inhibit the spread of coffee rust (Hemileia vastatrix), insects and nematodes, Beauveria bassiana (a fungus to deter coffee borer beetles Hypothenemus hampei) and parasitoide C. stephanoderis, that also inhibits borer beetles, and chemical methods (pesticides compliant with the USAID approved PERSUAP). In a parallel effort, RVCP technicians will continue to monitor the incidence of pests and diseases affecting coffee plantations, primarily coffee rust (Hemileia vastatrix), to curb the spread. According to monitoring results published by CEDICAFE, la the severity of the disease in Huehuetenango is reported to be 6%. The effort will also include taking samples in the field to accurately monitor the prevalence of other pests.
Integrated Pest and Disease Management. Technicians worked with growers on the use of fungicides to prevent damage from coffee rust disease on 410 hectares. In addition, the Project organized an information exchange visit between GAT Nuevo San Xxxx, in Nuevo Progreso and GAT Emprendedores in San Xxxxx Sacatepequez. The activity was designed to discuss experience in nursery techniques and plantation renewal for coffee plants of varying ages. A total of 38 producers benefitted from the activity. RVCP technicians worked in Huehuetenango to complete 85 technical assistance visits on GAPs, as follows: Coffee seedlings and nurseries using varieties (sarchimor and catimor) resistant to coffee rust disease. Plantation renewal using productive tissue management, primarily pruning to curb the spread of coffee rust disease. Contour planting. Live barriers. Terracing. Genetic improvements (deliver 17,875 plants together with 4,500 lbs. of coffee seed of the ANACAFE 14 variety (disease resistant) to benefit producers from five organizations. By-product management and use of organic material to benefit 132 producers (86 men and 46 women). Safe use and handling of pesticides to benefit 80 producers (70 men and ten women). In addition, the Project organized 23 training activities on integrated pest and disease management, safe pesticide use, seedlings and nurseries, fertilization and soil amendments, etc. The training benefited 505 producers, of which 378 (75%) are men and 127 (25%) are women. Climate Change Adaptation Soil Conservation Technicians worked with growers in San Marcos (97.6 hectares) to implement soil conservation practices as summarized below. o Plant 41.2 hectares with live barriers to avoid erosion and loss of topsoil. o Contour planting on 38.6 hectares, including demonstrations and supervision to renew plantations and reduce soil erosion. o Crating to reduce erosion and improve the use of composting on 8.40 hectares. o Terracing on 9.40 hectares to avoid erosion and capture rainfall.
Integrated Pest and Disease Management. In response to the spread of coffee rust disease and the negative impact on production, the Project developed capacity among coffee producers by providing training on integrated disease management. Results included curbing damage below 10% on the 560 hectares that were subjected to integrated management. Of these, Project technicians worked on 225 hectares this period and will continue next year to work on 335 more hectares. Integrated management for the coffee borer beetle is key to bean quality and crop conversion. Technicians implemented environmental controls to reduce the need for insecticides and keep down costs. Technicians covered 225 hectares this period using 23 traps per hectare. RVCP worked in Huehuetenango to provide technical assistance to implement the following agricultural practices: Selective pruning to renovate 227.4 hectares using various techniques as appropriate to the condition of the plants; Soil analysis results to create fertilization plans for 30 organizations; Shade management and use of forestry resources for energy while composting dead leaves and twigs; Prepare and manage nursery seedlings, and Preventive control and curative measures for coffee rust disease.
