With a growing concern about increasing agricultural productivity without increasing acreage, researchers are looking for solutions within the field of science. To professor of the Biology Institute of the State University of Campinas (Unicamp), Paulo Arruda, the efficiency in agricultural production depends on two vectors: management and genetics.
“Genetics, also through scientific research, genomics and genetic improvement, develop the most productive varieties adapted to the different regions and climatic conditions,” he told the Agency. Fapesp.
In addition to genetic research, there are also integrated management techniques that can be done using pesticides and other techniques such as the use of pheromones (chemicals to attract pests in crops) or insects and microorganisms that act as natural enemies of a particular plague.
“Integrated pest management is a set of measures that, in addition to taking into account the economic criteria, also considers ecological and social issues. As it calls more attention are the chemicals, precisely because they cause, if applied indiscriminately, problems such as intoxication for those who applied, waste in food, water and soil, “said professor at the Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture / USP, A hard tackle from José Roberto Postali to Parra.
This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.