Taxonomy and Biological Control: New Challenges in an Old Relationship

Author(s)

Shimbori, Eduardo Mitio ; Querino, Ranyse Barbosa ; Costa, Valmir Antonio ; Zucchi, Roberto Antonio

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Neotropical Entomology; v. N/A, p. 22-pg., 2023-01-19.

Abstract

Biological control and taxonomy are continuously developing fields with remarkable impacts on society. At least 80 years of literature have documented this relationship, which remains essentially the same in its mutualistic nature, as well as in its major challenges. From the perspective of Brazilian taxonomists, we discuss the impacts of important scientific and social developments that directly affect research in these areas, posing new challenges for this lasting relationship. The increasing restrictions and concerns regarding the international transit of organisms require improvements in research related to risk assessment for exotic biological control agents and also stimulate prospecting within the native biota. In our view, this is a positive situation that can foster a closer relationship between taxonomists and applied entomologists, as well as local surveys and taxonomic studies that are necessary before new programs and agents can be implemented. We discuss the essential role of molecular biology in this context, as an iconic example of the synergy between applied sciences and natural history. As our society comes to need safer and more sustainable solutions for food security and the biodiversity crisis, scientific progress will build upon this integration, where biological control and taxonomy play an essential role. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/50334-3 - Institutional research development plan (PDIp): modernization and adequacy of strategic multi-user units of the Instituto Biológico
• Grantee: Ana Eugênia de Carvalho Campos
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - State Research Institutes Modernization Program
• FAPESP's process: 18/18965-6 - Key to identification of egg parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae, Encyrtidae, Eurytomidae) of Pentatomidae (Hemiptera) of economic interest in Brazil
• Grantee: Valmir Antonio Costa
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research