With the aim of strengthening the national environment for disseminating research and initiatives that have demonstrated effectiveness in controlling cotton pests and diseases, the Brazilian Cotton Producers Association (Abrapa) is holding the IPM Workshop this Thursday (14) in Brasília (DF). The meeting will bring together specialists, researchers, consultants and representatives of the production sector to discuss solutions aimed at increasing efficiency in the use of inputs, preserving biotechnologies available on the market and reducing production costs in Brazilian cotton farming.
Sustainable practices in national cotton farming
The event is part of the work developed by the Responsible Brazilian Cotton (ABR) program, which, since its creation in 2012, has encouraged the adoption of sustainable practices in national cotton farming. According to Abrapa's sustainability manager, Fábio Carneiro, “In ABR, integrated pest management is a priority theme because we understand that the efficient use of inputs is strategic for national cotton farming. These practices are part of the requirements that producers participating in the program must meet.” Carneiro also explains that ABR monitors the practices used in the field with the aim of supporting the adoption of integrated pest management, especially the use of bio-inputs. “In 2025, Abrapa conducted a study with 470 farms certified by ABR and found that 79.8% of them already use bio-inputs to control pests and diseases.” This is the third workshop that Abrapa and ABR have dedicated to the topic. "Events like this are important for sharing experiences and results applied to cotton farming in different regions of Brazil and even the world," the manager explains.
Program highlights
The program will be divided into three main thematic blocks: boll weevil and caterpillar management, disease management, and the use of biologicals. Throughout the day, participants will attend technical panels on the current situation of the cotton boll weevil in the main producing regions of the country, integrated pest management, stubble destruction, caterpillar management, strengthening refuges, and strategies for controlling diseases such as Ramulariopsis pseudoglycines and Corynespora cassiicola. The event will also provide a space for discussions on the use of selective tools, biologicals, and collaborative initiatives that contribute to reducing production costs and increasing the efficiency of input use. Confirmed speakers include specialists from institutions such as Embrapa Algodão, ESALQ, UFPel, UFRPE, Fundação Bahia, Fundação Chapadão, IMAmt, and representatives from the production sector. The workshop will also feature the participation of Australian cotton growers and simultaneous Portuguese-English translation during the presentations and interventions of the invited consultants. The event will conclude with a round of discussions and a networking opportunity for participants.
This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.