Application of Propolis Extracts in Prevention of the Occurrence and Development of Phytophthora infestans in Ecological Agricultural Production of Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)

Abstract

Organic Agricultural Production is a special system of food production that exists in a rule-based, socially demanding, and environmentally constrained space within wider agriculture.  It must meet social standards in key areas, such as sustainable use of natural resources, while minimally impacting local ecosystems throughout the growth cycle. The use of phytopharmaceutical substitutes is a core component, replacing conventional agriculture pesticides which have been shown to damage local ecosystems.  In recent years, considerable research effort has been put into discovering alternative natural substitutes with pesticidal and antifungal properties. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effects of propolis extracts on the growth and development of Phytopathological fungi, presenting an alternative to other phytopharmaceutical substitutes. In this paper, the “American” tomato species are used throughout as it represents a common supermarket tomato variety.  The following are the conclusions central to this paper: (1) preventative usage of alcoholic extracts controlls the likelihood of development of Phytophthora infestans and its subsequent growth while having a reduced environmental impact (2) a comparison of propolis extracts with other staple organic extracts found improvements in profitability, produce growth speed and energy requirement (3) produce yield was increased with the use of a propolis solution compared to other organic extracts, however, a combined alcoholic extract of propolis  was found to have further benefits, specifically in the prevention and neutralization of aphids.