New pests attacking BT-corn in Brazil

“After five years of BT corn use, the scenario dominated by the worm is now occupied by pests also”, says the entomologist and consultant ad hoc from Phytus Institute, Dr. Mauro TADEU Braga.

Speaking to Phytus Moment recently, the expert presents the current scenario of hybrid varieties introduced in Brazil in 2007, when they came to fight caterpillars as Spodopterafrugiperda. According to him, over 75% of the corn planted in the country is BT variety.

"As the insecticide at the corn vegetative stage declines, some pests rise. The larva generated by adult Diabroticaspeciosa stands out in some regions, particularly in the state of Parana, which descends to the root system and causes significant damage,"he explains.

Another very important pest for corn is the aphid, which has gained the status of major pest: "Last year, Parana received three applications of insecticide for the control in the 'off season'. And again this year we have had some aphid infestations, especially in the west of the state."

"The producer and assistant technician must be very careful because the pest is difficult to control and it can cause losses of up to 50%, as some research has shown. We may need to monitor more corn hybrids with BT, that has controlled the caterpillar before, but today it is not anymore, "says Braga.