Cabrito Project

CABRITO PROJECT

Commercial formulations of entomopathogenic microorganisms for the control of the Aegorhinus nodipennis (“cabrito”) in conventional blueberry orchards.

During 2013 it was observed that the Southern hemisphere blueberry crops presented yellow and reddish colored leaves towards early February, and that they may even fall prematurely during growth stage, as well as smaller fruit and less production; the most affected areas being the ones adjacent to native forests. The diagnostic was the presence of Aegorhinus nodipennis. This insect attacks different varieties, of which the most affected are Legacy, Bluecrop, Duke, and Elliott.

The growth cycle of the Aegorhinus nodipennis can last between 12 and 18 months, which hinders the control period and it becomes necessary to carry out an integrated management between chemically synthesized products and beneficial microorganisms such as entomopathogenic fungi in conventional orchards.

The study, developed under the frame of the INNOVA CORFO project, developed by INIA and Hortifrut, lasted three years. During this period, the biological cycle of the Aegorhinus nodipennis was studied and specific HEPs for adult control were selected, which demonstrated to be highly specific.