Hops: agroclimatic zoning and favorability for the occurrence of Downy Mildew for the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil

Abstract

Hops (Humulus lupulus) is a herbaceous species with significant economic value, primarily used as a fundamental ingredient in the brewing industry, providing bitterness, aroma, and stability to beer. However, its cultivation faces significant challenges, among them downy mildew, a disease caused by the pathogen Pseudoperonospora humuli. To gain a better understanding of this pathogen, we conducted a systematic literature review, employing bibliometric techniques to analyze existing knowledge on the subject. We identified 54 publications focusing on the efficacy and resistance of downy mildew management in hops, as well as the genetic and pathogenic relationships. The analysis also highlighted themes such as disease management, cultivar susceptibility, and the influence of climate on the development of downy mildew. Regarding hop cultivation in Santa Catarina, Brazil, an agroclimatic zoning was carried out using conventional approaches and Fuzzy logic. Based on the results, it was found that the mountainous and southern regions of the state are more favorable for hop cultivation, while areas such as the extreme north and coastal regions present restrictions due to unfavorable climatic conditions. The zoning through the reclassification of variables for downy mildew incidence identified 63.13% of the area of Santa Catarina as favorable for the disease, while the Pseudoperonospora humuli approach indicated a proportion of 92.80%. It was concluded that the combination of these techniques provides a comprehensive view of the favorable climatic conditions for hop cultivation and downy mildew occurrence, highlighting the importance of management and the development of resistant varieties for hop cultivation in Santa Catarina.