Compatibility of pesticides used in sugarcane with the soil-dwelling predatory mite Lasioseius floridensis Berlese (Mesostigmata: Blattisociidae)

Abstract

In Brazil, the management of diseases, pathogens and pests in sugarcane is commonly accomplished by chemical applications. Therefore, biological control with the use of natural enemies has stood out recently, especially due to the demand for healthier food, free from pesticides and due to environmental consequences related to imbalances caused by the use of pesticides. Mites are one of the most diverse groups of micro-arthropods in the edaphic fauna, as they can act as pests, decomposers, fungivores or as biological control agents. The objective of this project is to evaluate the lethal, sublethal and transgenerational effects of the main pesticides used in sugarcane crops on the predatory mite Lasioseius floridensis. Bioassays on lethal, sublethal effects caused by pesticides will be carried out in the Integrated Pest Management Laboratory (ESALQ/USP), Piracicaba - SP in partnership with the institution hosting this research. The assays related to transgenerational effects will be developed at UFSCar, Lagoa do Sino Campus, Buri - SP (AU)