Horticulturists perceive that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improve the nutrition of chili plants

Resumen

Objective: To classify 19 horticulturists based on their perception concerning knowledge (human capital, HC) about the use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMFs) and their effects on chili production plots along the agricultural strip region in the state of Zacatecas.

Design/methodology/approach: A questionnaire with 16 statements on technical-productive issues and on the use of AMFs belonging to the HC was designed and applied to 19 chili producers within the Calera, Morelos, Villa de Cos, and Zacatecas municipalities. The data were subjected to a principal components analysis (PCA). A multivariate cluster analysis (CA) was also performed to classify the horticulturists involved through standardized variables and to ratify the groups evidenced by the PCA.

Results: PC1 and PC2 explain 54% and 12.8% of total variance, respectively. The orthogonal plane defined by these PCs identified three groups of horticulturists. The CA allowed visualization of the same three groups as appreciated by the PCA.

Limitations on study/implications: The sample is relatively small because in fact there are still few horticulturists that use AMFs.

Findings/conclusions: The group integrated by the four most productive horticulturists perceives that AMF use (Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus subtillis) allows improving chili plant nutrition, soil aeration, and phosphorus plant absorption.