On April 4, 2019, IRAC-BR and the Copacol cooperative (Cafelândia-PR) organized the I WORKSHOP ON INSET RESISTANCE MANAGEMENT (MRI) to discuss the validation of regional MRI recommendations. The event brought together experts on insect resistance and the staff of Copacol.
Initially the process of evolution of insect resistance to insecticides and Bt plants and MRI strategies was presented and discussed. The IRAC-BR representatives presented the current susceptibility data to insecticides in the main pest species that attack soybean and corn crops, such as: Spodoptera frugiperda, Chrysodeixis includens, Helicoverpa armigera, Euschistus heros and Bemisia tabaci.
For the practical part of the Workshop, the participants were divided into working groups for case studies looking for solutions to regional problems, with a view to MRI. Among the pest insects of regional importance are the management of the brown bug (Euschistus heros), the belly-green bug (Dichelops melacanthus) and the carpiaceous caterpillar (Spodoptera frugiperda). The current management of these species was discussed and how it could be improved, taking into account the production system of the region, in order to delay the evolution of resistance. The possibility of implementing MRI strategies at regional level and monitoring the susceptibility of populations of these sites in partnership with IRAC-BR consultants was also discussed, since Copacol has a large area of coverage in the western region of Paraná. The I Workshop on MRI was very productive, as it allowed discussion on the approach of IRAC-BR with the technical staff of Copacol. on the current management practices of the main soybean and corn pest insects in the western region of Paraná, as well as, what MRI strategies can be put into practice at the regional level to delay the evolution of resistance. IRAC-BR thanks Copacol for the reception and organization of this Workshop.