"Atrai-mata": innovation in caterpillar control

Research by the Mato Grosso Cotton Institute (IMA) shows that food attractants of the "attract-and-kill" type are effective in managing caterpillars in soybeans, corn, and cotton. According to entomologist Jacob Crosariol Netto, by preventing moths from laying eggs in the crops, there is a reduction in generations and pressure from caterpillars, especially during periods of swarming. "Take corn as an example," adds the researcher. "At this time when the crop is tall, it is more difficult to apply insecticides. Therefore, the use of food attractants allows us to anticipate the presence of moths. We can thus control these moths when they will lay eggs, a crucial moment," he states. In corn, for example, when the plant is tall, the application of insecticides becomes more difficult. The use of food attractants allows for the anticipation of moth control before egg-laying. In Mato Grosso, there is also migration of moths from dry corn to green cotton, making the tool even more ...