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Recent advances in organic cultivation of chayote (Sechium edule) in Reunion Island

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Abstract

In Reunion Island, chayote cultivation is a heritage culture which has been practiced intensively in recent decades with broad use of mineral fertilizers and pesticides. This situation paradoxically led to significant production losses due to fruit shedding and fruit flies damage (Tephritidae). For the last 10 years, agricultural professionals in Reunion Island have worked to assist in the transition from agrochemical to agro-ecological chayote cultivation, compatible with organic farming regulations. In 2017, more than 60% of the chayote growing areas are under organic agriculture standards. New and original knowledge has been acquired on the biology and ecology of fruit flies. Fruit damage was limited, resulting in increased yields. This protection is cheaper, and protection time has been reduced. The experience organic chayote cultivation has contributed to the development of organic farming in other crops (e.g., mango, citrus) and to adaptations of these agro-ecological practices in neighboring countries in the Indian Ocean.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank all chayote growers who contributed to this agro-ecological and organic farming experience. They were instrumental in informing the general public about the effectiveness of new techniques and the success of the project. Acknowledgments are also extended to all partners involved in the project, especially C. Ajaguin Soleyen, M. Atiama, B. Derepas, S. Dinnoo, E. Douraguia, B. Gilles, the Gros, K. Le Roux, M.-L. Moutoussamy, D. Muru, M. Rousse, W. Suzanne, E. Tarnus, and M. Tenailleau. Thanks also to J. Martin and O. Turc for their relevant help and advices. In addition, our gratitude goes to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry of the French Government, which enabled us to carry out the GAMOUR project through the Trust Account for Agricultural and Rural Development (CASDAR 2009).

Funding

This work was co-funded by the European Union: Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), by the Conseil Régional de La Réunion, by the Conseil Départemental de La Réunion, and by the Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD).

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Correspondence to Jean-Philippe Deguine.

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Deguine, JP., Atiama-Nurbel, T., Vanhuffel, L. et al. Recent advances in organic cultivation of chayote (Sechium edule) in Reunion Island. Org. Agr. 10, 135–143 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13165-019-00255-5

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