Integrated pest management (IPM) in Brazil: Efficiency with sustainability of biological control

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Brazil has advanced significantly since the 1970s, incorporating modern technologies and sustainable practices to enhance the efficiency of pest control while preserving non-target organisms and the environment. As a megadiverse country, Brazil emphasizes the conservation of natural enemies and pollinators, vital to maintaining ecological balance and agricultural productivity. Strategies such as selective insecticides, pheromones, ecological corridors, biological control agents, Bt plants, and the judicious application of crop protection products have proven effective in minimizing negative impacts and contributing to producing high-quality food in substantial quantities. Case studies in key crops such as soybean, cotton, eucalyptus, and coffee have demonstrated significant reductions in insecticide use and marked improvements in environmental sustainability. IPM stands out as an essential tool for reconciling agricultural productivity with biodiversity conservation and food security and plays a fundamental role in the future of agriculture.