Controle biológico e a compatibilidade entre produtos biológicos e químicos

Abstract

This text examines the development and consolidation of bioinputs and biological control as essential foundations for the sustainable management of pests and diseases in Brazilian agriculture. It highlights that bioinputs encompass animal, plant, or microbial-based processes and technologies, used in agricultural, aquatic, and forestry systems, providing significant benefits for the growth and development of plants, animals, and microorganisms. Biological control is characterized by reducing the incidence of pathogens through the use of living organisms, standing out as an efficient alternative to the dependency on chemical pesticides and with lower environmental impact. The evolution of this sector in Brazil is addressed from the first experiences in 1921, marked by the introduction of natural enemies, to the key scientific and regulatory advances between 2010 and 2015, when regulatory changes facilitated the registration and spread of new products. The pivotal role of events such as the Helicoverpa armigera pest outbreak in 2013 and the creation of the National Bioinputs Program in 2020 is also highlighted, both fundamental for the strengthening and expansion of the sector. These milestones consolidated bioinputs as indispensable tools for innovative and sustainable agriculture. Additionally, the growing integration between biological and chemical agents in the integrated management of agricultural pests and diseases is emphasized—an approach that enhances control effectiveness and reduces negative environmental impacts, provided compatibility between products is considered. Such integration favors more efficient productive systems and environmentally responsible agriculture. In conclusion, this work proposes a literature review on the compatibility between bioinputs and chemical products in the context of biological control, synthesizing advances, challenges, and prospects for the national agricultural sector.