Biological Institute SP is accredited to certify occurrence of caterpillar

16 samples , which did not confirm attack have been considered

by Globo Rural Online

( As is visually similar to Helicoverpa zea , a morphological analysis is required to confirm the presence of Helicoverpa armigera - Photo: Wanderlei Day War / Map )

The Biological Institute of São Paulo said it analyzed 16 samples of plants suspected of having been attacked by the caterpillar Helicoverpa armigera . Among the crops analyzed are cotton, wheat and beans . In none of them was detected the presence of the caterpillar .

" But that does not mean that the pest does not exist in these regions and even in these or other cultures ," says the Institute , in a statement .

The information was released along with the announcement that the Biological Institute received accreditation from the Ministry of Agriculture to be part of the laboratory network to identify the pest. As it is visually similar to other species, heliciverpa zea , morphological analyzes are needed to confirm the occurrence .

With the accreditation , the only officially Biological Institute can issue reports on the presence of the caterpillar in the state of São Paulo . In a statement , the institution emphasizes that only samples collected by agencies such as the Agricultural Defense and Full Service Company ( CATI ) will be accepted .

The Biological Institute has accreditation from the Ministry of Agriculture also for insect pest diagnostics to issue official reports of import and export goods .

Source : Globo Rural Magazine ( Brazil ) .