Cartilha técnica como ferramenta de popularização do controle biológico de pragas

Abstract

Because technical booklets present a more simple and objective language, they are a strategy for the popularization and dissemination of scientific knowledge. In this way, the objective of this work was the elaboration of a technical booklet on biological control, emphasizing predators and parasitoids. According to the demand of agroecological producers associated to the Center for Support and Promotion of Agroecology (CAPA), Verê, PR, we listed possible ways to controlling pest insects using predators and/or parasitoids. The aim was to enable improvements in the practices of producers and the popularization of knowledge. We carried out the elaboration of the booklet according to some steps, in order to ease data acquisition. At the first step, some meetings were held with CAPA technical staff, in which we presented the objectives of this work, the methodology of the project was discussed and the problems present in the farms were raised; a questionnaire was developed for application with farmers. In the next step, the questionnaire was applied and the data was tabulated. At the end, in the third stage, there was the construction of the booklet, based on respondents' answers and surveys in the literature. Through the application of the questionnaire, pertinent information was obtained that contributed to the effective construction of the booklet. The booklet contains scientifically accessible information on insect-pest biology, possible damage to crops, indications of products containing biological control agents, predators or parasitoids, and instructions on how to use them. The complete material will serve as a support tool for organic producers, aiming at improving food production.