Tomato production systems (Solanum lycopersicum M.) in Nicaragua: A characterization in the municipality of Tisma, Masaya, Nicaragua

Abstract

Nicaragua is a country with climatic conditions suitable for agriculture, which allow the establishment of various vegetables of importance in food security. The present study was carried out in the municipality of Tisma, department of Masaya, in 2016, with the purpose of characterizing the production systems of the tomato crop (Solanum lycopersicum M.) through the generation of information. A socioeconomic survey was applied where the agronomic and phytosanitary management of the crop and postharvest of the production was incorporated. Based on the information obtained, we proceeded to sample, process and analyze the record of 25 Production Units (UP), the variables were subjected to univariate analyzes. The results showed that in the majority of the UP the masculine sex predominates, with average ages less than 40 years. The producers are owners of their UP, the educational level determined that 42.86% of the men and 36.84% of the women did not manage to finish the primary education. 100% of the producers use certified tomato seed, the phytosanitary management of the crop was carried out using conventional compounds (Agrochemicals), resorting to the purchase of selective products since 96% recognize the main pests and diseases that affect this area, being the whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) the main problem, in the growth stage of the crop. In the postharvest handling a small percentage disinfects boxes and means of transport, this because the production is destined to the local market and is marketed as a fresh vegetable.