The Role of Embrapa in the Development of Tools to Control Biological Pests: A Case of Success

Abstract

Brazil has an impressive consumption of agrochemicals, but the intensive use of synthetic agrochemicals in agriculture causes a variety of problems, such as contamination of food, soil, and water, impact animals, cause intoxication of farmers, and development of pest resistance. In addition, they are responsible for biological imbalance, changing the cycling of nutrients and organic matter by eliminating beneficial organisms, and reducing biodiversity. Over the last few decades, the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) has generated significant basic knowledge on the biological control of agricultural and urban pests, diseases, and invasive plants, as well as their integration into existing agricultural systems. In 2013, the theme “biological control” gained even greater prominence and priority at Embrapa through the creation of a specific research portfolio for this subject. The portfolio of research, development, and innovation (R&D&I) projects for biological control has as a priority for the development of biological control technologies and their insertion in the integrated management of pests of agricultural interest that are resistant to synthetic chemical pesticides; those related to crops with insufficient phytosanitary support, considered as “minor crops”; to large crops and those affecting animal welfare or production facilities.