CARBO VEGETABILIS HOMEOPATHY FOR CONTROLLING ANTHRACNOSE IN ORGANIC CHIVES

Abstract

The organic cultivation of chives is on the rise due to the demand from health-conscious and sustainability-minded consumers. However, anthracnose, caused by fungi, has been harming the productivity and quality of the plants, with no registered fungicide options. Organic alternatives such as neem oil and sulfocalcic broth are insufficient. Homeopathy, permitted in organic farming, is a promising approach to strengthen plants against diseases and detoxification. This study, conducted in Rio Branco-Acre, at the Seridó ecological site, from December 2022 to March 2023, in covered beds fertilized with 15 t ha-1 of organic compost on a dry basis, involved the application of dynamizations of Carbo Vegetabilis at different concentrations (CH6, CH12, CH18, CH24, and CH30). It did not show a significant impact on productivity or anthracnose control. Leaf losses were high, reaching 65.3%, due to local conditions favorable to Colletotrichum. Anthracnose, challenging due to the lack of specific control methods, may not be adequately addressed by homeopathy in all situations, especially in unfavorable locations. In summary, the study highlights the need to explore disease management strategies specific to the organic cultivation environment. Despite inconclusive results with homeopathic Carbo Vegetabilis, ongoing research can improve the application of homeopathy and other techniques to promote sustainable organic chive production.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56238/edimpacto2025.058-004