SGS launches entomological services in Argentina

SGS has set up a new laboratory for insect/pest rearing and established a dedicated entomological group to serve the industry’s need for insect inoculum, bioassay testing, and the collection and mass rearing of insects. The focus is on the testing of resistance against Genetically Modified (GM) crops as well as on crop protection products.

Argentina’s government has enforced strict regulation for the development of GM crops and crop protection products. Accredited to provide evaluation of genetically modified crops in field trials since 2014, SGS renewed its accreditation in 2016 with an extended service range.

Testing in field trials focuses on trait efficacy, crop agronomical and composition equivalence, as well as protein expression and, in certain cases, on the pesticide residue levels in GM crops.

Insect resistance monitoring and management (IRM) is required to extend the product life cycle. As part of the insect resistance evaluation, testing under laboratory and field conditions is required. To provide the information on up-coming resistance, we have established an entomological group in charge of insect collection, rearing, mass production and bioassay testing under controlled laboratory conditions.

In this entomological group four scientists provide mass rearing and testing on numerous insects, including:

•    Spodoptera frugiperda
•    Spodoptera cosmioides
•    Spodoptera eridania
•    Diatraea saccharalis
•    Rachiplusia nu
•    Helicoverpa zea
•    Anticarsia gemmatalis
•    Helicoverpa gelotopoeon
•    Chrysodeixis includens

Building on experience in Brazil, where SGS also provides entomological services including non-target evaluations, internal replication of best practice can rapidly add further testing capabilities and expertise in Argentina.

We also provide insect inoculum in field trials (e.g. efficacy testing) for crop protection products.

In Argentina, SGS has an established field station near Junin with 25ha arable land. A network of field sites are pre-qualified to provide GM crop biosafety, residue and efficacy testing services across the widest range of geographies and climate conditions. SGS is well connected to the local farmers as we provide also GlobalG.A.P. audit and certification services, as well as crop monitoring and mycotoxin analysis. We are committed to extending our range of services to more crops to meet local requirements and regulations, as well as customer demands.

Local and global experience combined enables SGS to offer the widest range of services and the ability to replicate best practice from across our network.