Chemical Control versus Biological Control Agent in the Fight against the Main Harmful Agent of Sugar Cane

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze comparatively the cost of biological control and chemical control of main noxious agent of sugarcane, the drill (Diatraea saccharalis). This research was exploratory and descriptive in nature, through a case study in business Companhia Melhoramentos Norte do Estado do Paraná-Brasil (Company Improvements North of Paraná State, Brazil). There was the economic viability of the use of biological control in the cultivation of sugar cane. This is an economical viability of approximately 24% compared to chemical control. Moreover, under the sustainable approach, it is clear that the adoption of organic control practices , such as biological pest control with Cotesia flavipes, is environmentally friendly and has higher efficiency, medium and long-term productivity the sugarcane industry.

Keywords: Biological control, Chemical control, Sustainability.