Potential use of native entomopathogenic fungi for controlling crop and animal pests in Uruguay

Abstract

Uruguay has had little participation in the area of biological control. Recent studies conducted in the context of a doctoral thesis in the University of Habana, Cuba combined with carried out research in systems of organic production, offer promising results in this field. Presently, there is new research being carried out in the Batoví Organic Institute. These promising research initiatives provide us with important knowledge about the existence of crop and animal pests that are affected by entomopathogenic fungi that naturally generate epizooties with different degrees of efficiency. This is an indicator that we have in Uruguay, a natural and varied presence of these agents that could be a source of extensive and wide ranging alternatives for the control of significant pests. This information has the potential to create a multitude of economic, social and environmental advantages which are required for organizational, legal, and scientific development in the country.