Multi-scale Evaluation of the Impacts of Beauveria sp. (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) Used to Control the White Grub Hoplochelus marginalis (Fairmaire) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) on Sugarcane in Réunion

Abstract

An integrated pest management strategy was implemented to cope with the invasion of Hoplochelus marginalis in Réunion in 1981. The strategy, which replaced chemical management using a pesticide (chlorpyrifos), consisted in designing and adopting a biocontrol strategy based on the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria, developed in collaboration with growers, millers, local organizations (research, development, administration), and society. The question was to evaluate how to adopt such a strategy which could affect the socio-environmental context 30 years later. ImpresS (Impact of Research in the South) was the methodology used to identify and collect the data. The description of the innovation process began with a review of the literature and was then improved using personal and group interviews with growers, local organizations, and other stakeholders. Seventy interviews were conducted with growers and stakeholders. The results showed immediate positive economic impacts for growers, the local sugar sector and the companies distributing the innovation’s two commercial products, namely Betel^® and sporised rice. Another impact was environmental, with a constant reduction in water pollution by the insecticide as there was no more insecticide applied on sugarcane. Among the indirect impacts, using a successful biological technique promoted the quality of the sugar sold on the international market. Other impacts were seen at international level, such as the renewal of European Union subsidies. This retrospective review represents a model for other sugar-producing countries to assist in analysing and understanding the adoption a successful strategy.