Identificación de Plagas y Enfermedades en la Chonta Bactris Gasipaes Kunth en la Amazonia Ecuatoriana

The chonta palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) is of great economic, nutritional, and cultural importance to the peoples of the Ecuadorian Amazon, forming an essential part of their diet and traditions. However, it has been a neglected crop, limiting knowledge about the factors that affect its health and production. The main problem it faces is its vulnerability to pests and diseases, which compromises its development and yield. The scarcity of research on the organisms that attack it hinders the implementation of effective management strategies, negatively impacting its use and the well-being of the communities that depend on it. To address this problem, research was conducted to identify the main pests and diseases affecting the chonta palm in the Ecuadorian Amazon region. The methodology employed included interviews, surveys, and direct visits to production areas, allowing for the collection of direct information from farmers and on-site observation of the crop's condition. The results obtained allowed for the identification of five pests, ten foliar diseases, and four diseases affecting the fruit, all with varying degrees of impact on plant health. In conclusion, this research provides valuable information for the phytosanitary knowledge of the chonta palm, constituting an essential starting point for future integrated management strategies aimed at preserving this valuable resource for Amazonian communities.