Brazil: MAPA releases new reference specification for controlling Anastrepha fraterculus

By Leonardo Gottems, Reporter for AgroPages

Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA) launched a new reference specification, “ER 48”, aimed at monitoring and controlling a biological target, the “South American Fly” (Anastrepha fraterculus).

ER 48 establishes the minimum specifications and guarantees for the registration of phytosanitary products based on hydrolyzed protein, which originates from the intestinal mucosa of pigs. It is a unique active ingredient used in this type of regulation.

The publication of ER 48 expands the number of specifications covering semiochemicals contained in traps to attract insects, whose use for monitoring and control depends on various factors, such as the concentration of the active ingredient and the number of traps distributed around the orchard.

Anastrepha fraterculus is a fruit fly subject to quarantine restrictions imposed by other countries. The successful management of this species can open new markets for national fruits and place Brazil in higher positions in export rankings.

In addition to ER 48, MAPA republished ER 8 and 20, which now have more ingredients in their compositions, facilitating the registration of products with two types of formulations, wettable powder and concentrated suspension.

Under ER 8, based on the microbiological agent, Trichoderma stromaticum (isolated CEPLAC 3550), the republication includes sugar, water and malt extract in the list of available substances, which previously consisted only of sterilized rice grains.

In the coming months, producers are expected to have access to the first phytosanitary product approved for use in organic agriculture, which are registered under ER 8 for controlling “witches' broom” in cacao (Moniliophthora perniciosa = Crinipellis perniciosa).

The successful management of this fungus, regarded as one of the major issues affecting the crop, is strategic to leveraging national cocoa production, which is expected to grow by 60,000 tons over four years, according to estimates by the Executive Committee of the Cacao Crop Plan (Ceplac).

ER 20, which covers the use of Baculovirus Spodoptera frugiperda (SfMNPV – Spodoptera frugiperda multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus) for controlling fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), witnessed the addition of water and glycerin to its list of ingredients. The two products already registered under this ER, as well as the applications currently under review, are for wettable powder formulations.

In terms of the use of concentrated suspensions, the trend is for an increase in the number of registration requests, since, like all baculovirus specifications, ER 20 is also widely accessible and can support the registration of several products by different companies.