"Our work has become more biological, in favor of socio-environmental responsibility"

Working on the integrated fruit production system (PIF), Jaguacy aims to reach levels of more sustainable agricultural production. A system was developed with the objective of producing quality fruits, preserving the environment and reducing the use of contaminated inputs.

"The control of the infestation of the Stenoma catenifer is a daily activity at Jaguacy, and we use several fronts to control and combat the pest, and our efforts today are based on the PIF and the bio-defensives system," says Vitor Falanghe Carvalho, production director of Jaguacy.

Pest control begins when the avocado is in its early stages, with pea-sized fruits. At this stage, there is an application where eggs are released from the bio-defensive Tricogramma spp., A little wasp that parasites butterflies and moths of the order lepidopterae, first in a preventive way, and later in a punctual and weekly way, with the aim of combating the pest within its cycle of parasitism for up to 12 days. Monitoring is also a key activity in combating infestation. The pest killers cross the field daily, raising the levels of pressure of the pest and through the histories of monitoring it is possible to evaluate the level of infestation, and to implement the correct actions.

But working with the bio-defensive control, has changed the activities of Jaguacy. Investments have been made in the setting up of a bio-factory that produces Tricogramma spp., and also the acquisition of a drone specially adapted to the use in the launching of this natural enemy in the orchards of Avocado production.

The release by the drone means you can control a larger area of coverage in a short time and it is more effective in the regularity and quality of the releases.

The gains from the development and use of the PIF in the Brazilian Avocado production, go beyond the investment factors, there is the socio-environmental gain. "Our work has become more biological, in favor of socio-environmental responsibility policies that prioritize the preservation of the environment, work safety and quality of our fruits", says Ligia Falanghe Carvalho, director of MKT and HR of Jaguacy.