February is the time to control the yerba mate borer

February is the month to combat the yerba mate borer (Hedypathes betulinus), also known as the Corinthian beetle, the main pest of this crop. To achieve this, producers can count on Bovemax, a biological insecticide developed by Embrapa Florestas in partnership with Novozymes.

The product has, as an active ingredient, spores of the fungus Beauveria bassiana, which causes the death of insects. According to researcher Susete Chiarello Penteado, from Embrapa Florestas, “the use of Bovemax is an effective measure to control the pest and its use is fundamental for the health of the herbs and, consequently, for the economic balance of the entire production chain”. The researcher also highlights that Bovemax is the only product registered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA) for use on yerba mate.

The product must be applied twice a year: in November and February, and can be found in agricultural homes. “Embrapa does not sell this product, but the company that manufactures it is already supplying agricultural houses”, explains Susete.

To learn more about the yerba mate borer and forms of control, access the information campaign material carried out by Embrapa Florestas and the Alto Iguaçu Yerba Mate Management Council (Cogemate), in partnership with several institutions, in Embrapa Florestas website.