Technical training for citrus growers and its impact on the control of citrus leprosy in the Alto Beni region

Abstract

Citrus farming in the Alto Beni region is a vital economic activity for food security and the livelihoods of numerous farming families; however, it faces a critical problem associated with citrus leprosy, a viral disease that compromises the productivity and sustainability of the agricultural system. The study aimed to assess citrus growers’ level of technical preparedness, response capacity, and access to information, training, and institutional support in the face of this disease. The research was conducted using a qualitative approach, a non-experimental design, and a descriptive scope. A structured questionnaire was administered to 157 citrus growers in the municipalities of Alto Beni and Palos Blancos, selected through non-probabilistic convenience sampling. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27, employing descriptive statistics, absolute frequencies, and percentages. The results show that control practices are predominantly traditional: pruning is the most widely used method (64.3 %), while chemical (15.3 %) and biological (1.3 %) control methods are rarely used; furthermore, 9.6 % of farmers do not use any control methods at all. Phytosanitary monitoring is also irregular, as only 26.1 % conduct it weekly. Regarding technical training, 56.4 % did not receive any training, and 77.7 % consider the available information insufficient. Furthermore, 75.1 % perceive integrated pest management as having little or no effectiveness, and 80.3 % do not receive institutional assistance. However, 82.2 % wish to participate in training programs, and 89.2 % prefer in-person workshops. It is concluded that citrus growers lack sufficient technical expertise, although there is a strong willingness to strengthen their capabilities through training, technical assistance, and participatory communication.