Silkworm caterpillars are dying from pesticide poisoning in São Paulo, Brazil

Silkworm caterpillars are dying in western São Paulo. The breeders believe that they were contaminated by pesticides applied to neighboring crops. Workers lost up to 100% of production. Watch all Globo Rural videos Sericulturists say the problem is caused by the irregular aerial application of pesticides in sugarcane fields near the properties where the silkworm is raised. It's called drift, when the products are carried through the air. Pesticides reach the blackberry plantations that are used to feed the caterpillar. She eats the leaves, is intoxicated and dies. Brazil is the 6th largest producer of silk in the world and stands out for the quality of the yarn produced. Sericulture and the entire silk production chain generate more than 50 million dollars in imports and exports a year. Bill on pesticides: what could change in relation to current rules But, according to the Brazilian Silk Association (Abraseda), the incorrect use of pesticides in the ...