Brazil authorizes modified Spodoptera frugiperda for biological pest control – Interview with Dr. Natalia Ferreira, Oxitec’s Brazil director

By Leonardo Gottems, Reporter for AgroPages

Oxitec recently announced that CTNBio, the Brazilian biosafety regulatory agency, has approved “Spodoptera do Bem™,” therefore, authorizing the use of the genetically modified Spodoptera frugiperda caterpillar for the biological control of the pest. In this exclusive interview with AgroPages, Dr. Natalia Ferreira, Oxitec’s Brazil director, explained the details of the development of the technology, as well as its characteristics and features and the next steps related to its application on agricultural fields across Brazil.

What was CTNBio’s approval process for Spodoptera do Bem™?

After years of laboratory research in the UK and Brazil, and subsequent field-controlled experimental releases to assess the biosafety of the self-limiting corn armyworm, Oxitec requested, in October 2020, the technical opinion of CTNBio for the commercial release of Spodoptera do Bem™ to combat one of the major pests of corn, which is one of the most important cultivars in Brazilian agribusiness. Based on the study, entitled, “The Brazilian Agribusiness Feeds 800 Million People” published and disseminated by Embrapa in March this year, in the next five years, the product will make Brazil the largest exporter in the world.

Oxitec's request was analyzed by CTNBio based on Biosafety Law No.11,105, for March 2005, which enforces rules for the commercial release and monitoring of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and their derivatives and presented a positive opinion for five months. This result was the outcome of Oxitec's belief that Spodoptera do Bem™ does not pose a risk to the environment and to human and animal health.

This process, both in Brazil and the rest of the world, is extremely important, since it highlights the reliability and credibility of Oxitec's solution, in addition to the company's commitment to offering a technology in line with current legislation and capable of truly helping rural producers in a sustainable way. After the approval, Oxitec will undergo broader field trials, optimizing the solution for its future launch in Brazil.

How does the technology work and what are its features and benefits?

In the field, Spodoptera do Bem™ releases male corn armyworm so they can find and mate with females of the same species that infest fields of the cultivar. These males have self-limiting characteristics, which are passed on to all their offspring and prevent females from surviving, meaning fewer caterpillars that damage crop, as well as fewer female moths that lay new eggs.

The release of Spodoptera do Bem™ in the field also offers active protection to biotechnological crops and other tools commonly used to control Spodoptera frugiperda caterpillars, meaning that existing protection measures remain effective for longer.

There are economic, social and environmental gains with the use of this technology. In addition to pest control, the main benefit to producers is the possibility of using a solution that has no harmful effects on the ecosystems where it is applied and the preservation of beneficial species, such as bees and butterflies.

Is Spodoptera do Bem™ compatible with conventional control techniques?

Yes. Oxitec's technology can be used in combination with other pest control solutions, such as biotechnological varieties and crop protection products. The technology not only reduces pest populations, but also delay resistance to pesticides.

This biological method of pest control is safe and non-toxic and has the potential to become a foundation of integrated solutions. It is worth noting that the self-limiting gene present in male caterpillars and moths disappears from the environment over a few generations after release. Therefore, the technology is safe and effective.

After this approval by CNTBio, what will be the next steps?

The next steps include larger scale field trials, further logistical and distribution activities and the development of commercial strategies, which will ensure the effectiveness of the solution when used on crops throughout Brazil.

What other technologies are Oxitec preparing for agribusiness?

Spodoptera do Bem™, already approved for controlling armyworm, is being developed for other pests that affect agriculture and livestock, such as the false soybean caterpillar, the Mediterranean fruit fly, the spotted wing drosophila and cruciferous moths, with the aim of improving production and reducing global food insecurity, through solutions that will help increase productivity and crop quality.