21 SIMPÓSIO BIOINSUMOS - ENTREVISTA FERNANDO TERUHIKO HATA

Summary

In this interview, Fernando Tererico Rata, an agronomist and entomology professor at the State University of Maringá, discusses the concept of biological control in agriculture. He explains how insects, fungi, bacteria, and viruses can be used to manage pests, offering safer alternatives to chemical pesticides. Rata highlights the effectiveness of biological controls, such as the use of the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) for controlling caterpillars, and Tamarixia for managing the citrus psyllid. He emphasizes the growing role of bioinputs in sustainable farming practices and the shift toward integrating biological solutions alongside traditional methods to improve productivity and sustainability in agriculture.

Takeaways

• 😀 Biological control involves using living organisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, insects, and mites to manage pests.
• 😀 Fernando highlights the importance of biological control for pest management, emphasizing its effectiveness, especially for controlling pests like *Coversparnisher* in Brazil.
• 😀 The use of biological control has become more trusted and widespread among farmers after successful results, like the use of *Bacillus thuringiensis* (BT) to control caterpillars.
• 😀 Biological control is considered safer for humans compared to chemical pesticides because it avoids direct contamination, though safety precautions still apply.
• 😀 Insect viruses can be used for biological control. The example of a family using a virus to control caterpillars demonstrates how the virus spreads within the pests.
• 😀 Examples of current biological controls include *Bacillus thuringiensis* (BT) for controlling caterpillars, and *Tamarixia*, a parasitoid wasp used in citriculture to manage pests like *Psyllid*.
• 😀 *Bacillus thuringiensis* (BT) is widely used to control pests like caterpillars in crops such as corn and tomatoes, as it specifically targets the pests without harming humans.
• 😀 The *Tamarixia* wasp is increasingly used in citrus production, particularly for controlling the *Psyllid* insect, which spreads bacterial diseases.
• 😀 The use of biological control has been growing due to research and the development of products that increase crop productivity, promote growth, and enhance resistance to diseases.
• 😀 Fernando emphasizes that while biological control cannot fully replace chemical products, it serves as a complementary tool that enhances sustainability and productivity in agriculture.

Q & A

What is biological control in pest management?

Biological control involves using living organisms, such as insects, bacteria, or fungi, to control pest populations. These organisms help reduce or eliminate pests without harming other parts of the ecosystem.

Can you give examples of organisms used in biological control?

Examples include Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a bacterium used against caterpillars, Tamarixia, a parasitoid wasp that controls psyllids in citrus groves, and Trichogramma, a wasp used to control caterpillar larvae.

How does Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) work as a biological control?

Bt is a bacterium that produces toxins specifically toxic to certain insect larvae, such as caterpillars. When the larvae ingest Bt, the toxin affects their digestive system, ultimately killing them.

What are the advantages of using biological control over chemical pesticides?

Biological control is safer for humans and the environment as it specifically targets pests without harming non-target organisms. It also reduces the risk of pesticide resistance and contamination in the food chain.

Can biological control completely replace chemical pesticides?

No, biological control is not a complete replacement for chemical pesticides. It is typically used as part of an integrated pest management strategy, complementing chemical methods when necessary.

What is Tamarixia, and how is it used in biological control?

Tamarixia is a parasitoid wasp used to control psyllid pests in citrus orchards. The wasp lays its eggs inside the psyllid, and the larvae feed on the pest, effectively reducing the population.

Why is Trichogramma important in pest control?

Trichogramma is a parasitic wasp that targets the eggs of various pest insects, such as caterpillars. By parasitizing the eggs, it prevents the larvae from hatching and causing crop damage.

What is the challenge with using biological control for psyllid pests?

Psyllids are difficult to control because they can fly long distances and can spread diseases. While biological control methods like Tamarixia can help, complete eradication is challenging, especially if pests come from outside the controlled area.

What role do bioinsumos play in modern agriculture?

Bioinsumos, or biological inputs, help improve agricultural productivity sustainably by providing natural alternatives to chemical fertilizers and pesticides. They promote soil health, pest control, and resistance to diseases.

How are bioinsumos contributing to more sustainable farming practices?

Bioinsumos are crucial for sustainable agriculture as they reduce reliance on harmful chemicals, improve environmental quality, and help farmers increase yields while minimizing negative impacts on ecosystems.