Selection of Alternaria Fungi Control Treatments in a Citrus Grove through the Lens of the Electre Technique: A Case Study in San Luis Potosi, Mexico

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of five control treatments (pesticides) for an Alternaria fungi variety in a citrus grove in Mexico. Study Design: Field applications of pesticides were used to combat an infestation of the Alternaria fungus. Place and Duration of the Study: The study took place in an orange citrus grove in Ciudad Fernandez, San Luis Potosí, Mexico, from October 2018 to August 2019. Methodology: Field trials with five control treatments were applied to randomly selected rows of infected orange trees. The assessment of treatments was carried out using the multi-criteria decision method (MCDM) known as ELECTRE with six evaluation criteria: cost, effectiveness, toxicity (e.g., environmental impact), difficulty of preparation, ease of application, and expiration date. Results: The results reveal that the best option to control the fungus of the Alternaria is the use of a biological product based on microorganisms, instead of standard options such as agrochemicals, or synthetic preparations known as “broths.” A sensitivity analysis reveals that the result may be affected by changing the weight of the criteria. Conclusion: The best treatment is the biological product because it is the most effective treatment to control the fungi plague, it is not toxic or expensive, and it does not have a measurable impact on the environment. However, the results are sensitive to changes in the weight of the criteria.