Diminishing the relevance of pesticides. Alternatives to its use

Abstract

In different places of the world the agricultural systems have a high dependence of chemical inputs, but in other parts the experiences developed have demonstrated that the problems of pests can be faced up from an ecological and sustainable perspective. Local experiences presented in this paper show unquestionable evidences that the decrease of the relevance and dependence of the pesticides is a possible reality. The results of an impact evaluation and sustainability of the practices of pest management are shown inside that perspective, at the same time that alternatives are documented to the chemical control of pests. Among the obtained results they stand out that in the municipality of San Antonio de los Baños (2000-2005), a reduction took place in the use of pesticides of 63%, the quantity of pesticides applied per direct agricultural worker decreased in 30.7%, and for each ton of produced food was used 70 % less of pesticides. In Güira de Melena, given the risks that it represents the use of the endosulfan for the human health and the environmental, this insecticide has not been used during 13 years, that decision didn’t have negative effects on the production of foods. In these 13 years 6537 kg of active ingredient of this insecticide has not been applied. Among the main alternatives implemented are the production and the use of entomophagous, entomopathogens and antagonistic organisms, and the conservation of natural enemies by means of the diversification of the agricultural systems.