BIOLOGICAL CONTROL

Biological control is a technique designed to reduce the population of organisms considered pests by natural means. A general example is the insertion, in a certain area, of natural predators of insects that cause economic damages to crops.

The borer (Diatraea saccharalis) is the main pest of sugarcane. The young caterpillar feeds on the leaves and enters the softer parts of the stalk, boring the cane and opening tunnels, which serve as entrance for other microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, etc) that cause rot (red rot).

One of the best ways to control the sugarcane borer is the Biological Control. In this case, the biological agent is a wasp - Cotesia flavipes – which attacks the borer still in the caterpillar stage. The wasp eats the reserves (fat) of the borer, weakening it and causing it to death.

Advantages of Biological Control

·         There is no environmental impact;

·         There is no danger to the health of rural workers;

·         Does not cause the death of other animals;

·         Leaves no residue in food that will be consumed by people;

·         It is cheaper and more efficient.

Cotesia Production

As Cotesia is a caterpillar borer parasite, first we must produce the pest (caterpillar borer) so that, from this, the wasp (Cotesia) can feed itself and generate new individuals in the sugarcane fields.

List of Release

1 cup contains 30 masses

1 mass contains 50 individuals of Cotesia

1 cup contains 1,500 individuals of Cotesia

On 1 hectare of sugarcane 4 cups or 6,000 individuals of Cotesia are released

In 1 month 23,000 cups are produced for release in 5,800 hectares of sugarcane

Biological Laboratory

The Jalles Machado Biological Control Laboratory was created in 1999 to control the sugarcane borer in the organic cane fields (where chemical insecticides are not used).

Currently, the Laboratory is capable of producing 35 million Cotesias per month and generates employment for 35 community workers.

The Cotesias are distributed mainly in the organic fields, but may also be released in conventional sugarcane areas with higher levels of infestation.

This control, combined with other agricultural practices, has shown success over the years, so that today the organization level related to the attack of this pest is considered "Comfortable" (below 3%).

Borer Cycle