Examinando por Autor "Velasquez Ochoa, Edwin Ricardo"

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An emerging Platynota sp. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) infesting blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) in the central coast of Peru
(Frontiers Media S.A., 2025-06-13) Velasquez Ochoa, Edwin Ricardo; Leiva, Ana María; Gil Ordóñez, Alejandra; Perez Fuentes, Lady Susan; Domínguez, Viviana; Cuellar, Wilmer J.
Blueberry cultivation has recently become a rapidly expanding export industry in Peru. With few to no official records of phytosanitary problems up to date. Nevertheless, as observed in other major blueberry producer countries, pests occurrences have been already reported. This study presents a comprehensive biological and molecular characterization of a novel blueberry pest, identifying it as a member of the Tortricidae family in the genus Platynota. The insect’s average life cycle was determined to be 46.3 days for males and 48.6 days for females, with the larval stage being the longest (25.4 days on average), and the most destructive due to its feeding behavior, which significantly damages buds and fruits. Morphological analysis of the genitalia, along with a comparison of its complete mitochondrial DNA, further supports the conclusion that this pest is a new species. These findings represent the first report of a tortricid pest affecting blueberries in Peru and offer crucial insights for developing effective pest management strategies, contributing to the sustainable growth of blueberry production and exports in the region
Morphological and genome characterization of Alternaria alternata causing blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) leaf spot in Peru
(SCIEPublish, 2026-05-20) Velasquez Ochoa, Edwin Ricardo; Osorio, Valentina; Leiva, Ana María; Pardo, Juan Manuel; Gil Ordoñez, Alejandra; Bartolini, Ida; Cuellar, Wilmer J
Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.), valued for their nutritional benefits and economic significance, have become Peru's leading agro-export crop. However, intensive cultivation can lead to phytosanitary problems if not addressed promptly, posing a serious threat to blueberry production. This study aimed to isolate and identify the causal agent of leaf spot symptoms initially observed in blueberries cultivated in Peru, marking the first formal documentation of its presence in the country. In 2022, leaf spot symptoms were recorded on V. corymbosum cv. Biloxi, in the north of Lima, Peru. Field observations revealed necrotic, sunken spots on leaves and fruits, with 4.84% of leaves diseased and 1.28% of fruits affected. Pathogen isolation and microscopic studies identified Alternaria alternata as the primary causal agent, which was confirmed by genome sequencing using Oxford Nanopore Technology. Pathogenicity tests demonstrated the fungus' ability to reproduce symptoms identical to those observed in the field, fulfilling Koch's postulates. Under experimental conditions, disease severity increased over time, with the affected leaf area ranging from 9.35% to 25.61% between 7 and 14 days post-inoculation. This study establishes A. alternata as a pathogen of blueberries in Peru and provides essential insights for future research and strategies to mitigate its impact on the industry.