Little is known about the major issues leading to postharvest losses in Peru, which are estimated to be 15–27%. We surveyed 503 farmers from the lowlands and Andean regions of Arequipa to learn more about the major grains produced and issues encountered during drying and storage. Rice, common bean, and quinoa were the most grown crops in the lowlands while starchy maize was the most cultivated crop in the highlands. Most farmers (90%) dried their crops in-field directly on the ground, which exposes them to rodents, birds, and insect pests. The majority of farmers (92%) used subjective methods to assess grain moisture content. About 77% of farmers identified insects as a major challenge during storage but only 44% said they used preventive measures such as the application of insecticides. Among farmers who stored grain, the main reason was for household consumption (61%); while among those who did not store, the main reason was the need for immediate cash at harvest (75%). Farmers who experienced insect problems, who stored seed or grain for sale, who stored longer, or farmers from the lowlands were more likely to apply insecticides on their stored products. These findings provide an opportunity for researchers, development organizations, and government agencies to improve postharvest handling and storage in Arequipa by disseminating drying technologies, moisture assessment tools and hermetic storage solutions among farmers.
Plant-parasitic nematodes cause 14 % of annual losses in different crops in the world and there are more than 35 genera of phytoparasitic nematodes associated with the rhizosphere of the papaya crop (Carica spp.), being the most important the root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp). The present study aimed to carry out the morphological identification of the genera of nematodes associated with the cultivation of Andean papaya (Carica pubescens), in Sandia district, Puno, Perú. One-hundred and fifty-five soil and roots samples from eight communities were evaluated. The samples were processed by the centrifugal fluctuation method in sucrose solution and subsequent identification of the nematodes at the genus level, using the dichotomous key of Mai and Mullin. We found the genus Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus, Helicotylenchus, Mesocriconema, Apelenchus, Dorilaymus, Tylenchus, Xiphinema, Mononchus, Discocriconemella, Trichodorus and other unidentified free-living nematodes. This information may allow the design of an integrated nematode management plan in Andean papaya crops.
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