Soybean producers, over the last few harvests, have gained an important ally in the fight against caterpillars that attack the crop: Biotechnology. The biotechnology used to control caterpillars has been changing the way soybeans are produced in the country. Some genes are incorporated into plants that produce proteins that are lethal to some species of caterpillars, making the plant resistant to these insects. This technology is known as Bt Technology, as the genes used have their origin in bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis.
The use of Bt soybean varieties is an excellent tool for controlling caterpillars, thus facilitating management, reducing the population of caterpillars in the crop and consequently protecting leaves and productivity.
Over the years of use of Bt plants, in other crops and now more recently in soybeans, selection pressure has increased on caterpillar populations, thus selecting caterpillars resistant to technologies. Without the adoption of cultural practices and complementary control of caterpillars, the longevity of the technology is greatly compromised. This reinforces the need to maintain good pest monitoring and adopt practices to conserve technology.
The refuge, which consists of the cultivation of at least 20% non-Bt soybeans with a maximum distance of 800m from Bt soybeans, is one of the most effective practices in combating the emergence of caterpillars resistant to Bt proteins. Other important practices are: good early desiccation, seed treatment as a complement to technology against caterpillars and also against other initial pests and the application of insecticides, when necessary through crop monitoring.
Seed Treatment: Bt Technology Partner
Seed treatment is considered a good agronomic practice in Bt soybean crops, as it complements the initial protection of plants, acting as a biotechnology partner. Products such as CropStar, which control the main caterpillars, expose these insects to mechanisms of action that are different from the mechanisms of action of Bt proteins, already present in plants. This makes it difficult to select resistant caterpillars, contributing to the longevity of the technology.
Furthermore, seed treatment is fundamental, as in addition to complementing protection against the caterpillars targeted by the technology, it protects the soybean crop from other pests that are not targeted by Bt soybeans, such as caterpillars Spodoptera spp.., sucking insects, corós, kitties and nematodes, which cause significant damage to the establishment of the crop and consequently to its productivity.
The use of biotechnology in pest control is a reality that helps producers in managing their crops. However, it must be used in conjunction with other practices such as seed treatment, which is an important tool for preserving the technology's longevity and for greater protection of the crop's productive potential.
Also access via website
READ TOO:
Receive the latest agriculture news by email
Receive the latest agriculture news by email
