Biological control in Uruguay

The first reported case of biological control in Uruguay was an attempt to import the parasitoid Encarsia berlesei from Italy to manage the white peach scale in 1912, which failed due to high mortality during the long boat trip. Later introduction of the same parasitoid (in 1913) and the predator Lindorus lophanthae (in 1915) resulted in permanent control of peach scale. In the early 20th century, Uruguay was a pioneer in South America in the successful introduction of natural enemies of pests recently arrived in the country and was also a provider of biocontrol agents to other countries in the region by re-exporting these exotic species. Throughout this century the introduction and colonization of biocontrol agents continued. In the 1980s and 1990s, national production of entomopathogens and parasitoids was initiated. During this period (and until today), large-scale prospecting projects were executed to find and identify native natural enemies and microbial control agents in several important crops. The largest areas under classical biocontrol are currently in pine and eucalyptus plantations. Recently, government regulations for the registration and control of biocontrol products have been established in Uruguay. The first commercial biocontrol products on the market are used to manage pests in horticultural crops in greenhouses and for field crops such as soybeans, intended for local consumption and for export. Uruguay aspires to be recognized for the production of high-quality food. Biocontrol helps to realize this aspiration, because it contributes to food safety and adds to environmental protection.