The document summarizes a two-day workshop on best agricultural practices for sugar cane production. Day one consisted of presentations highlighting initiatives in other countries. Presentations covered WWF's agricultural program, agro-climatic monitoring, biological control of pests, integrated pest management strategies, and Cuba's experience with soil studies, pest management, and harvesting methods. Day two involved field demonstrations of pest monitoring, controlling sugar cane pests biologically and chemically, fertilizer application, and bio-stimulants. Participants discussed improving production quality and yields in Belize through adopting new techniques and conducting soil studies.
Implementing Best Agricultural Practices for Sugar Cane Production
1. Implementation of Best Agricultural Practices for the Production of
Sugar Cane
PROCEEDINGS
March 5, 2008 March 6, 2008
Crystal Palace Auditorium Manolo Hernandez’ Cane Field
Orange Walk Town Goat Hill, Chan Pine Ridge Area
2. Table of Contents
1. Background ............................................................................................................................. 3
2. Day 1 – Forum ........................................................................................................................ 3
2.1 Welcome Remarks .......................................................................................................... 3
2.2 Opening Remarks............................................................................................................ 4
2.3 Advances in WWF’s Agricultural Program in the MAR Region ................................... 4
2.4 Agro-Climatic Monitoring .............................................................................................. 5
2.5 Biological Organisms Laboratory................................................................................... 6
2.6 Integrated Pest Management Strategy in Sugar Cane..................................................... 6
2.7 The Cuban Experience in Integrated Management of Sugar Cane................................. 7
3. Day 2 – Field Demonstrations ................................................................................................ 8
1.5 Pest monitoring to support decision-making related to control method ......................... 9
1.6 Methods to control the Mosca Pinta ............................................................................. 10
1.7 Application of biological agents to control the Mosca Pinta........................................ 11
1.8 Fertilizer application ..................................................................................................... 12
1.9 Application of a bio-stimulant ...................................................................................... 13
Annex 1 – Agenda .................................................................................................................... 14
Annex 2 – Biodata of Participants ............................................................................................ 16
Annex 3 – Advances in WWF’s Agricultural Program in the MAR Region ........................... 19
Annex 4 – Agro-Climatic Monitoring ...................................................................................... 22
Annex 5 – Biological Organisms Laboratory ........................................................................... 24
Annex 6 – Integrated Pest Management Strategy in Sugar Cane ............................................. 30
Annex 7 – Soil Studies for Integrated Management of Sugar Cane ......................................... 36
Annex 8 – Integrated Pest Management in Sugar Cane ........................................................... 47
Annex 9 – Effective Crop Harvesting Methods........................................................................ 50
Best Agricultural Practices for the Production of Sugar Cane (March 5-6, 2008) 2
3. 1. Background
Sugar production continues to be a major economic activity in Belize making a significant
contribution to the agriculture sector, national income and export earnings. The industry provides
direct employment to over 10,000 persons including self-employed farmers, field workers, and
factory workers. Almost half of the agriculture sector labour force is employed in the sugar
industry – this represents about 13.7% of the national working population. Approximately
40,000 people (or 28% of the national population) rely on the sugar industry, taking into account
the number of cane farmers, workers and others directly and indirectly involved in industry
activities. Sugar cane is grown on approximately 65,000 acres of land in the Corozal and Orange
Walk Districts.1
On March 5 and 6, 2008 the World Wildlife Fund, the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association
and the Sugar Industry Control Board sponsored a two-day workshop entitled – “Implementation
of Best Agricultural Practices for the Production of Sugar Cane”. The main purpose of the
workshop was to inform participants of various projects and programs designed to address
challenges faced by sugar cane producers across the region. The workshop exposed participants
to various technological advancements and newly developed methods designed to enhance
production quality and improve harvesting methods. See workshop agenda on Annex 1.
Day one of the workshop was carried out at the Crystal Palace Auditorium and consisted of a
series of presentations highlighting various initiatives in Cuba, Honduras and Mexico (Quintana
Roo). Presentations were conducted by invited guests representing WWF Honduras, ISRP
(Quintana Roo, Mexico), and INICA (Cuba).2 During the presentations, participants were given
the opportunity to make recommendations, ask questions and express any concerns relating to
the various topics covered.
2. Day 1 – Forum
2.1 Welcome Remarks
Mr. Basilio Canul, member of the San Joaquin Branch Committee of BSCFA, led the invocation.
Participants were then welcomed by Mr. Ismael Carillo of the BSCFA Management Committee.
During his address, Mr. Carillo encouraged all participants to become actively engaged in the
various presentations and to feel free to ask questions and make recommendations. He pointed
out that the purpose of the workshop was to strengthen the cane farming industry in Belize and to
identify possible solutions to the existing challenges. Mr. Carillo pointed out that the industry
has been making slow but significant progress and much more can be achieved with greater unity
among the cane farmers. He pointed out that the sugar industry in Belize has currently achieved
Fair Trade certification, which should be celebrated as a major success. He mentioned that the
benefits of such an achievement are quite significant and translate into an additional $6 million
in additional financing to the industry – direct benefits to the farmers. Mr. Carillo reminded
farmers that despite the many challenges by the industry, it continues to make progress and will
continue to do so, so long as farmers are actively involved in the programs.
1
Source: Sugar Industry Brief, SICB, February 2008
2
The biodata of all presenters can be seen in Annex 2.
Best Agricultural Practices for the Production of Sugar Cane (March 5-6, 2008) 3
4. 2.2 Opening Remarks
Mr. Jose Vasquez of the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) in Honduras gave the opening
remarks. During his remarks, Mr. Vasquez gave an overview of some of the WWF related
initiatives across the region. Mr. Vasquez pointed out that although the WWF is a conservation
organization, it works very closely with the agricultural sector as there is a major link between
the two areas. He mentioned that initially, agriculture was seen as the major threat to
biodiversity simply because more than 50% of Earth’s land mass is utilized for agricultural
purposes. Mr. Vasquez mentioned that in recent years it has been discovered that conservation
and agriculture can complement each other and must do so to ensure continuity of biodiversity
existence.
Mr. Vasquez mentioned that WWF has currently invested over US$312 million in over 1,300
projects worldwide through its partners that are comprised of government agencies, local
communities and NGO’s. He mentioned that the main focus of WWF’s agricultural program is
to establish a scientific and technological platform that harmonizes agricultural practices and
biodiversity conservation resulting in low environmental impact and sustainable development.
2.3 Advances in WWF’s Agricultural Program in the MAR Region
Mr. Jose Vasquez, WWF Honduras, explained that WWF’s agricultural program sought to link
agriculture and conservation as part of the “Ridges to Reef” approach. He gave a brief
presentation on the Meso-American Reef System and proceeded to share information on related
agricultural projects and activities.
Mr. Vasquez mentioned that, recently, the WWF has turned to information technology for the
implementation of various programs including the monitoring of land use and data collection.
One such program is the installation of weather monitoring stations across the region – two of
which have been installed in Belize (Stann Creek and Corozal). The purpose of this project was
to develop and deploy a stable weather monitoring system capable of providing timely readings
of weather determinants to be used as model input variables for precise management and
forecasting of weather-related agricultural events.
Participants were informed that information from the weather stations was available through the
internet. Mr. Vasquez also highlighted their BMP/Crop Cover program which sought to develop
better management practices for commercial planting in Belize particularly in the citrus industry.
He said that the main purpose of this program was to identify alternatives to burning and the use
of herbicides. Please refer to Annex 3 for the full text of Mr. Vasquez’ presentation.
Points of interest that arose from the discussion that followed the presentation were as follows:
• One of the participants suggested that the WWF consider partnering with tertiary
educational level institutions (e.g., Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico) in projects such
as the production of Cover Crops seeds.
• Participants wanted to know the cost effectiveness of substituting burning with the cover
crop technique considering the cost of acquiring the seeds and/or seed production. Mr.
Vasquez informed the participants that it would have been difficult to really indicate a
Best Agricultural Practices for the Production of Sugar Cane (March 5-6, 2008) 4
5. cost as the program was still at the trial stage. The information would be readily
available in the near future.
• There was also a concern as to what all the programs were trying to achieve in relation to
cane production in Belize. Mr. Vasquez made it known that the reality was that Belize,
despite being involved in sugar cane production for many years, was not at the
production level it should be. He said that a major objective was to try to improve the
process of production and the quality of production hence increasing financial yields. He
mentioned that the average rate of production across the region is some 70 tons per
hectare while in Belize the figure is at a much lower 45 tons per hectare. He said that the
only way that Belize would improve its production rate would be if newer and better
methods of production were identified and adopted.
2.4 Agro-Climatic Monitoring
This segment of the workshop featured a presentation by Mr. Arnold Lara, WWF Honduras, who
is currently involved in the development of a climate monitoring program in the region including
Honduras, Guatemala and Belize. Mr. Lara explained that the weather monitoring system
consists of a series of weather monitoring stations set up at strategic locations to enable data on
weather patterns to be collected. Mr. Lara explained that software has been designed that allows
for accessibility of the data through the internet. He further explained that a weather station can
be set up anywhere in the world and then linked to their main system based in Honduras.
Two stations have been installed in Belize – one in the Stann District and the other in the Corozal
District. The system measures such things as wind speed, precipitation, temperature, leaf
wetness, etc. He said that the main idea of this initiative is to establish a network of stations
throughout the sugar cane zone that would allow farmers to be better informed resulting in more
informed decision-making. He also mentioned that the weather monitoring program would have
to be complemented by constant on-the-field monitoring so that agro-climatic patterns and
relations can be identified.
One of the major concerns from this presentation was the accessibility of the information, given
that farmers may not be able to readily access the information because of poor computer literacy
or no access to computers and/or internet link. A representative of the SICB suggested that the
information could be made available to farmers by printing out the information at the
Associations or Branch Committees and making them available to the farmers. There was
another suggestion that information could be printed at the schools (high schools) and given to
the students to pass on to the parents. Some participants felt that printing of the information
would not be practical and it would be better to just utilize the media houses (radio, television) to
disseminate the information on a regular basis. It was noted that the monitoring system would
function effectively only if the data was made immediately and regularly available to farmers –
in other words, as close to real time as possible. Old data would be poor data.
One of the participants mentioned that weather prediction data would be more useful as they
would be more prepared to make decisions based on prediction. It was clarified that the system
was not designed to predict the weather but was designed to record data on weather conditions in
relation to the crop. Participants were encouraged to go online at http://www.wwf-mar.org to
access the weather monitoring system (see Annex 4).
Best Agricultural Practices for the Production of Sugar Cane (March 5-6, 2008) 5
6. 2.5 Biological Organisms Laboratory
Ms. Claudia Flores, ISRP Quintana Roo, Mexico,,shared with participants an approach that the
authorities in Mexico have adopted to deal with the Mosca Pinta (Aeneolomia posfica) epidemic
in their sugar cane industry. The process as outlined by Ms. Flores had to do with the cultivation
of a fungus (Metarhizium anisopliae) that infects and eliminates the Mosca Pinta. The fungus
has been proven to be very effective. Participants were explained the process of producing the
fungus and the process of application.
Ms. Flores also outlined the advantages and disadvantages of this process. Some advantages
included:
• it does not contaminate the environment
• it poses no threat to humans, animals or vegetation
• it is very affordable and easy to use
Certain disadvantages included:
• it is designed to address only one problem within a complex system
• its success is very dependent on specific environmental conditions
• its viability decreases with time
After the presentation (see Annex 5 for full text), participants expressed concern about whether
or not an in-depth study has been arried out on the current effects of the Mosca Pinta on the
sugar cane industry in Belize. Mr. Osorio from SICB explained that although a formal study has
not been conducted, the extent of damage by the fly is widely known and unfortunately widely
felt. He mentioned that in some instances farmers have experienced 40% damage to crops while
in other instances farmers have experienced up to 100% damage. He pointed out that
Association has embarked on chemical treatment to eliminate the flies but because it has not
proven as effective as anticipated, biological treatment is being considered. According to Mr.
Osorio, the hotspots have been identified and as soon as resources allow, biological treatment
should be put into effect.
2.6 Integrated Pest Management Strategy in Sugar Cane
In this presentation (see Annex 6), Mr. Eric Hernandez and Mr. Miguel Castillo (ISRP, Quintana
Roo, Mexico) outlined a process for pest control as utilized by the sugar cane producers in
Mexico. They mentioned that the objectives of their pest control program were to:
• Increase sugar cane production levels
• Maintain an ecological balance without disturbing ecosystems nor risking human health
• To ensure production of quality sugar cane resulting in the production of competitive
high quality sugar
The presenters mentioned that one of their major focuses was to address the challenges of the
Mosca Pinta epidemic that was costing farmers significant losses in their crops resulting in
inferior quality and lower production levels of sugar. The presenters made it very clear to the
participants that their experiences in Obregón, Quintana Roo, have proven that in attempting to
eliminate a problem, certain factors are overseen and eventually lead to other problems. One
Best Agricultural Practices for the Production of Sugar Cane (March 5-6, 2008) 6
7. example given was that of the second burning in which it was mentioned that although the
second burning is sometimes used to control the Mosca Pinta population, it provides the right
environment for the proliferation of pests such as worms which drill into the sugar cane crops.
2.7 The Cuban Experience in Integrated Management of Sugar Cane
Two Cuban experts in the field of sugar cane production – Mr. Jacinto Campos and Mr. Pedro
Pablo Leal - delivered the following three presentations :
• Soil Studies for Integrated Management of Sugar Cane
• Integrated Pest Management in Sugar Cane
• Effective Crop Harvesting Methods
Please refer to Annexes 7, 8 and 9 for the full text of these three presentations.
Some of the issues that were brought up after the presentations include the following:
• It was felt that farmers should consider moving the industry towards a more effective
system of production and management and it could begin by starting to consider and
adopting soil studies. The WWF Country Representative mentioned that it was important
for farmers to realize that other countries have begun moving in this direction and have
seen the benefits. He felt that investments in these programs would be money well spent.
• One of the farmers mentioned that farmers have been wanting that type of program (soil
studies) for quite some time but the reality is that no one has taken the initiative. He
mentioned that until this point, it is uncertain as to who would take the lead to move the
process forward and make sure that such programs are implemented. Mr. Osorio, SICB
representative, mentioned that it has already been considered but it is really up to the
farmer to request it and make sure that financing such as the one received from Fair
Trade be used to take care of such needs.
• Another farmer mentioned that although he felt that is was very important to conduct
such soil studies, he felt that more attention should be given on improving harvesting
techniques.
• Participants were curious to know how sugar cane was delivered to the factories in Cuba
– burnt or green. They were informed by the Cuban specialists that all cane delivered to
the companies had to be green and if they were burnt, farmers would be fined.
• The presenters mentioned that there are three major problems in the production of sugar
cane that farmers need to be aware of: 1) loss of product by improper harvesting
techniques, 2) contamination of product associated with mud and other contaminants on
the product, and 3) loss of purity due to excessive burning and delayed delivery.
• Participants felt that it would be very beneficial if the BSCFA and the SICB would
consider conducting exchange programs between sugar cane producers from Cuba and
Belize. Participants also wanted to know who was in charge of organizing such activities
including the exchange of sugar cane species/varieties.
• Mr. Osorio mentioned that many attempts have been made to carry out such programs
but the biggest factor has been continuity of programs and projects mainly due to lack of
support and lack of finance. He mentioned that it is expected that farmers would take
advantage of the further financial opportunities that have presented themselves to the
Best Agricultural Practices for the Production of Sugar Cane (March 5-6, 2008) 7
8. industry and ensure that the money is invested in such programs such as a soil studies
laboratory and exchange programs.
• It was mentioned that it would be a good idea if the BSCFA and SICB could partner up
with an educational institution in Orange Walk for the establishment of a laboratory
specializing in soil testing and other sugar cane related activities. He felt that this would
be of benefit to the industry and the school. Muffles Junior College is working towards
such a program and it would be wise to create some form of partnership with them.
• Farmers in general felt that not enough information is being disseminated to them and
that the BSCFA and the SICB need to begin doing more to ensure that this occurs as
farmers are currently ignorant of the various programs and activities relating to the
industry.
3. Day 2 – Field Demonstrations
Day two of the workshop was a field day at Manolo Hernandez’ cane field located in Goat Hill
in the Chan Pine Ridge area in the Orange Walk District. Activities included the following field
demonstrations:
a. Pest monitoring to support decision-making related to control method (yellow traps) –
by Ing. Eric Hernandez and Miguel Castillo
b. Methods to control the Mosca Pinta – by Ing. Eric Hernandez and Miguel Castillo
c. Application of biological agents to control the Mosca Pinta (manual aspersion of the
fungus Metarrhizium) – Ing. Claudia Flores
d. Fertilizer application (buried) – by Jacinto Campos
e. Application of a bio-stimulant – by Jacinto Campos
Before commencement of the field demonstrations, Marcos Osorio, SICB representative,
expressed his appreciation to WWF for financing the 2-day workshop. He mentioned that WWF
has great interest to support the sugar cane industry.
In his opening remarks, Maurico Mejía, WWF Belize representative, stated that WWF is
focusing efforts from Chetumal Bay to the Caribeban coast of Honduras to promote better
agricultural management practices without negatively affecting the income of the cane farmers.
Their goal is to increase production output, whilst decreasing production costs and protecting the
environment within the context of the Meso-American Reef region. As an example, he stated that
farmers should consider applying biological treatments to combat the pest problem, rather than
continuing to use insecticides. The latter is very expensive, and involves repeated financial
investments over time.
A pictorial description of the field demonstrations is presented below.
Best Agricultural Practices for the Production of Sugar Cane (March 5-6, 2008) 8
9. 3.1 Pest monitoring to support decision-making related to control
method
• The yellow bags are installed by placing
them over two sticks inserted into the
ground.
• A hole is cut into the centre of the bag so
that wind does not knock the bag down.
Farmers need to be cognizant of wind
direction when installing the bags.
• The sticky substance that is pasted on the
bag to trap the Mosca Pinta, needs to be
changed every two months to ensure that
the effectiveness of the trap is maintained
over time.
• The traps are placed in the cane fields one
day before doing the count of the insects
trapped on the bags.
• When doing the count, the average number
of insects caught on all traps in the field is
calculated. The average number of “ninfas”
recorded determines the type of pest
control action that should be taken.
• The herbicide (24D) does not affect the
fungus (Metarhizium anisopliae), which is
used as a biological control of the Mosca
Pinta.
• The first application of the fungus would
be in January-February. Outbreaks of the
Mosca Pinta commence by May.
Best Agricultural Practices for the Production of Sugar Cane (March 5-6, 2008) 9
10. 3.2 Methods to control the Mosca Pinta
• The plough digs a 5cm channel on the
ground – this is the depth at which the eggs
of the Mosca Pinta occur.
• The channel exposes the eggs to the
elements. The eggs can then be preyed
upon by insects and birds.
• Sugar cane debris should be collected in
the middle.
• The use of the tractor/plough causes
compaction of the soil, so pyhto-sanitary
digging should be carried out before
planting.
Best Agricultural Practices for the Production of Sugar Cane (March 5-6, 2008) 10
11. 3.3 Application of biological agents to control the Mosca Pinta
• The fungus (Metarhizium anisopliae)
comes in bags in the form of spores mixed
with rice to prevent humidity.
• The fungus has to be refrigerated during
storage and transport, and needs to be used
almost immediately after it is removed
from a refrigerated environment.
• The viability or effect of the fungus starts
to reduce after 24 hours of its removal from
refrigeration.
• The cost of the fungus if purchased in
Obregón is BZ$17.50 per application per
hectare. A hectare is approximately 2.45
acres. The cost is higher in Guatemala
(~BZ$20 per application per hectare).
Minimum purchase of the fungis would
need to be 1,000 doses.
• Other costs include the construction and
maintenance of a “cool room” to store the
fungus.
• When the bags containing the fungal spores
are removed from cool storage, it must be
given at least one hour to acclimatize to the
surrounding climatic conditions.
• The bag containing the fungal spores is
then emptied into a bucket or other clean
container. Distilled water is then poured
over the fungal spores to wash them off the
rice.
• The water containing the fungal spores is
then strained into a 200 litre drum.
• The rice can be washed a second time to
ensure that it is fully clean of spores, and
the water is strained into the same drum.
• The drum is then filled with distilled water
and mixed thoroughly to dilute the fungal
spores.
• The diluted fungal spores are then sprayed
over the cane field using a motorized or
manual fog sprayer.
Best Agricultural Practices for the Production of Sugar Cane (March 5-6, 2008) 11
12. 3.4 Fertilizer application
• This is a simple method using available
technology in Belize – a plough and
tractor.
• The steps are three-fold: 1) plough
channels along the “surcos”, 2) manually
apply the fertilizer into the dug channels,
and 3) cover the channels with soil.
• It is important to cover the fertilizer so that
the roots of the sugar cane can take full
advantage of the fertilizer. This method is
much more effective that simply throwing
and spreading the fertilizer.
• The primary active ingredients of the
fertilizer are phosphorus, potassium and
nitrogen. The phosphorus in the fertilizer
stays where it is deposited (it does not
move); potassium advances a little into the
soil; nitrogen is the substance that advances
more but still not much. Therefore, if the
fertilizer is not buried into the soil, the
roots cannot take full advantage of their
properties.
• Using the three-fold method, the fertilizer
can bee applied even during the dry season.
Whenever it rains, the fertilizer starts
taking effect.
Best Agricultural Practices for the Production of Sugar Cane (March 5-6, 2008) 12
13. 3.5 Application of a bio-stimulant
• A bio-stimulant is a compound obtained
from plant material that allows for the more
efficient use of the natural fertilizer that is
contained within the soil.
• The bio-stimulant ENERPLANT was used
in this field demonstration. As other bio-
stimulants, it stimulates the plants to more
efficiently metabolize the energy resources
stored within them, even under adverse
climatic conditions.
• The best effect of ENERPLANT is
obtained with two applications of 2.6
millilitres per hectare mixed with distilled
water into a 200 litre drum: the first
application 30 days after crop germination,
and the second application 30 days after the
first application.
• Bio-stimulants have the following positive
results on the sugar cane crop: plants are
healthier looking, plants are greener, and
growth rate is higher, among other effects.
• It is advisable to use fertilizers along with
bio-stimulants, to ensure a synergistic
effect between both products and better
results in the use of both products.
“Hay que poner en práctica lo que hemos aprendido y visto
en este taller, sino es tiempo perdido.”
- BSCFA representative
Best Agricultural Practices for the Production of Sugar Cane (March 5-6, 2008) 13
14. Annex 1 – Agenda
Marzo 5
8:30 – 9:00 Registro de Participantes
9:00 – 9:05 Himno Nacional
9:05 – 9:10 Invocación
9:10 – 9:20 Palabras de bienvenida,
Representative, Comité de Manejo BSCFA
9:20 - 9:35 Palabras de apertura Ing. José Vásquez, WWF CA
9:35 – 9:50 Mensaje del Ministro de Agricultura y Pesca Hon. Montero
9:50 – 10:30 Avances del Programa de Agricultura en el MAR
Ing. José Vásquez, WWF Honduras
10:30 – 10:50 Café
10:50 – 11:30 El Monitoreo Agro climático
Ing. Arnold Lara – WWF Honduras
11:30 – 12:00 Discusión
12:00 – 1:00 Almuerzo
1:00 – 1:30 Laboratorio de Organismos Biológicos
Ing. Claudia Flores – ISRP, Quintana Roo
1:30 – 2:00 Programa de campo para el manejo de plagas en caña de azúcar
Ings. Eric Hernández y Miguel Castillo – ISRP, Quintana Roo
2:00 – 2:30 Discusión
2:30 – 3:00 Estudio de Suelos para el Manejo Integrado de la Caña de Azúcar
Especialista Jacinto Campos, INICA, Cuba
3:00 – 3:30 Manejo Integrado de Malezas en Caña de azúcar
Especialista Jacinto Campos, INICA, Cuba
3:30 – 4:00 Organización de la Cosecha
Especialistas Pedro Pablo Leal, INICA, Cuba
4:00 – 4:30 Discusión
Best Agricultural Practices for the Production of Sugar Cane (March 5-6, 2008) 14
15. 4:30 Cierre del día 1 y revisión de programa para día de campo
Mauricio Mejia y Marcos Osorio
Marzo 6
9:00 – 2:30 Día de Campo:
Reunión 8:30 a.m. frente a edificio de la Asociación de Caneros de Orange Walk, el día de campo
se realizara en la parcela de Manolo Hernández en Goat Hill, Chan Pine Ridge Area.
Actividades:
a. demostración de monitoreo de plagas para la toma de decisión sobre el método de control
(trampas amarillas)
Ing. Eric Hernández y Miguel Castillo – ISRP, Quintana Roo
b. Demostración de métodos de control de la mosca pinta (pase de rastra fitosanitaria y
trampas amarillas)
Ing. Eric Hernández y Miguel Castillo – ISRP, Quintana Roo
c. Demostración de aplicación de agentes biológicos para el control de la mosca pinta
(aspersión manual del hongo Metarrhizium)
Ing. Eric Hernández y Miguel Castillo – ISRP, Quintana Roo
d. Demostración de aplicación de fertilizante, enterrado
Especialista Jacinto Campos, INICA, Cuba
e. Demostración de aplicación de bio-estimulante, ENERPLANT
Especialista Jacinto Campos, INICA, Cuba
Best Agricultural Practices for the Production of Sugar Cane (March 5-6, 2008) 15
16. Annex 2 – Biodata of Participants
a. José Vásquez, Senior Agriculture Officer: Before joining WWF in 2004, José worked for
three years as General Manager at Frutera Real S.A in Guatemala. In this position he was
active in developing a new agricultural production program for pineapple, establishing an
integrated pest management program and overall management of the first major export
operation for this fruit in Guatemala. He has dedicated most of his professional life to the
Standard Fruit Company (Dole) in Honduras, where he worked for almost eighteen years in
different functions: manager of melon and sweet corn operations, manager at the pineapple
operation, superintendent of planting and field maintenance. José holds a Master in Business
Administration with a major in Agribusiness from Iowa State University. He graduated with
honors as Bachelor of Science with a Major in Soil Technology from the University of
Florida. In his early years, José worked at the National Agrarian Institute and at the Ministry
of Natural Resources in Honduras.
b. Arnold Lara has more than 10 years of knowledge and experience in the management and
implementation of applications in Information and Communications Technology for
Development, especially in Internet Services. He has broad experience in the technological
goods and services market at both national and international level. His other educational
background and experience are as follows:
• EDUCACIÓN
o Egresado, Licenciatura en Comunicaciones y Publicidad UNITEC
o Diseñador Gráfico – GBM
o Programación Básica y Avanzada en Lenguaje C, GBM
o Introducción a Los Sistemas Abiertos y Operación Básica del Sistema Unix/Aix
Sistema Risc 6000, GBM
o Analista Programador – GBM
• EXPERIENCIA
o Desarrollo de plataformas tecnológicas para Internet que incluyen bases de datos,
manejadores de contenidos, e-commerce
o Instalación, administración y soporte en Linux
o Soluciones y desarrollo de aplicaciones basadas en software libre
o Auditoría y consultoría en seguridad informática
o Amplia experiencia en formulación, seguimiento y evaluación de proyectos
tecnológicos
o Instalación y configuración de Estaciones Meteorológicas de ADCON Internacional.
c. Ingeniera Agrónoma Claudia Flores Carrera
• EDUCACIÓN
o Egresada de la Facultad de Ciencias Agrícolas, Universidad Veracruzana Zona –
Xalapa, Veracruz
o La tésis se realizó en el Instituto de Ecología titulada Evaluación de la patogenicidad
de Fusarium ventricosum en papa y su control con Trichoderma harzianum.
• EXPERIENCIA
Best Agricultural Practices for the Production of Sugar Cane (March 5-6, 2008) 16
17. o Participación en el proyecto Identificación de hongos presentes en los suelos paperos
de la región del Cofre de Perote, Veracruz. En el Instituto de Ecología S.A. de C.V.,
Xalapa, Veracruz.
o Colaboración en el proyecto Identificación de hongos utilizados en el control
biológico del cultivo de papa. Perote, Veracruz.
o Encargada del proyecto Extracción e Identificación de hongos micorrízicos. En la
Universidad Veracruzana.
o Asesora técnica de productores de hortalizas bajo invernadero (Proyecto PAPIR).
Puebla.
o Actualmente encargada del Laboratorio de Organismos Benéficos, en el Ingenio de
San Rafael de Pucté, Quintana Roo.
d. Ingeniero Eric Hernández Zapata
• EDUCACIÓN
o Egresada del Instituto Tecnológico Agropecuario No. 18
• EXPERIENCIA
o 1994 – Memorias Profesionales Inducción de la Floración en Mango”
o 1995 – Laboró en el cultivo de la piña para la compañía HERDEZ de México
o 1996-2007 – Responsable del Ejido Sac-Xan
o 2008 – Responsable del Departamento Técnico de Campo.
e. Ingeniero Miguel Castillo Luna
• EDUCACIÓN
o 2001-2006 – Estudios en el Instituto Tecnológico de Ursulo Galván, Veracruz,
México.
• EXPERIENCIA
o 2004 – Servicio Social en Agropecuaria, A. C-A S.A de C.V.
o 2005 – Memorias Profesionales en Reproducción y Cría de Mojarra Nilótica. En el
Municipio de Juchique de Ferrer, Veracruz
o 2006 – Participación en el Congreso Nacional de Control Biológico Aplicación de
Entomo-Patógenos y Lib. de Insectos Benéficos
o 2007 – Participación en el curso Control Biológico de Plagas en Córdova, Veracruz
o 2007 – Participación en el Encuentro Fitosanityario de la Caña de Azucar, Culiacán,
Sinaloa
o 2007 – Participación en el Congreso Nacional Control Biológico de la Langosta
Migratoria, Mérida, Yucatán
o 2006-2008 – Responsable del área de plagas en campo en el Ingenio San Rafael de
Pucté S.A. de C.V.
f. Ingeniero Jacinto Campos Asin
• EXPERIENCIA
o Sub-Director del Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones de la Caña de Azúcar de Cuba
o A cargo de los Servicios Científico Técnicos que se le brinda a productores cañeros.
o 43 años de experiencia en el cultivo de la caña de azúcar
o Colaboración técnica con el Sugar Industry Control Board (Belice).
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18. g. Ingeniero Pedro Pablo Leal Castañeda
• EXPERIENCIA
o Investigador Extensionista
o Especialista en variedades y semilla de caña de azúcar del INICA – Cuba
o 40 años de experiencia en caña de azúcar
o Colaboración técnica con el Sugar Industry Control Board (Belice).
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19. Annex 3 – Advances in WWF’s Agricultural Program in the MAR Region
Best Agricultural Practices for the Production of Sugar Cane (March 5-6, 2008) 19