Rationalization of pesticides by integrated production in mango submedium valley of São Francisco.
Silva-Matos R. R. S. da, Lopes P. R. C., Souza G. M. M. de, Oliveira I. V. de M., Oliveira J. E. de M.
Author Affiliation: Programa de Pós-graduação em Agronomia, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Campus Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Paraíba, Brazil.
Bioscience Journal 30 : 372-379
Abstract : The fruit growers of the Valley of the São Francisco demanded a certification strategy that would meet the requirements of the major importing markets. Thus, the Integrated Production program is devised. This tool aids in saving natural resources and minimizing the use of harmful environmental inputs. In 2002, the Integrated Production program in Mango started in São Francisco. The aim of this study is to verify the impact of the Integrated Production system in rationalizing the use of pesticides in the production areas of the lower basin of the São Francisco Valley region, in the states of Bahia and Pernambuco. Ten certified farms that meet the regulatory Integrated Production in Mango were selected. Systematic monitoring of the weeds, pests, and diseases, as well as the use of agrochemicals were conducted. The analysis of field notebooks was conducted between January 18 and May 3, 2010. Information on the application of pesticides during crop cycles were collected using the annotated data in field notebooks. Results showed a marked rational use of pesticides over the years after the implementation of the Integrated Production system. A significant reduction of pesticide residues in fruits was also recorded. It is expected that this reduction is continuous, although factors such as climate change, and emergence of new pests can affect the balance of the agro-ecosystem and require further adjustments in management strategies.