In family farming system, farmers and their families are responsible for agricultural work and for the management of small and medium property. Often, the low purchasing power of the majority and the lack of appropriate technical guidance make farmers adopt undesirable practices while growing maize. The range of satisfactory yields depends, among other factors, on a good soil fertility, seeding in appropriate times, an effective management of insect pests and diseases, and especially quality

Status: Completed     Start date: Sat Oct 01 00:00:00 GMT-03:00 2011

The insects of the order Lepidoptera are the main pests affecting the crop of corn and can cause up to 34% reductions in production. The control of these pests is achieved primarily through the use of chemical insecticides, a system that brings negative effects to man, animals and environment. The use of biological control in pest management has emerged as an alternative to minimize these effects of the application of synthetic chemical insecticides, preserving the natural environment and the

Status: Completed     Start date: Mon Oct 01 00:00:00 GMT-03:00 2012