Efecto de tierra de diatomeas en el control de cochinilla algodonosa (Pseudococcus spp.) en guanábana (Annona muricata)

The use of diatomaceous earth is an alternative for pest management; however, its control potential is unknown. For this reason, the objective of the research was to evaluate the effect of diatomaceous earth on the control of cottony cochineal and sooty mold in fruits of the soursop crop. The variables evaluated were, percentage of incidence of mealybugs, degree of severity of sooty mold and fruit development (length, thickness and weight). The severity of sooty mold damage in soursop fruits under the effect of different doses of diatomaceous earth decreased in grade 3-2 with the treatments T5 (10.00 kg ha-1) and T6 (12.00 kgha-1).