A system for controlling pests without harming the environment or even killing off the attacking species is under development by the National Institute of Science and Technology, an association of Brazilian universities. The scientists are seeking ways to use natural products and derivatives, or semi-synthetic products, to either interrupt the insect pest's reproductive cycle or force the insect out — but not to kill it.

The initial studies are focused on the leafcutter ant (Acromyrmex spp.), the army worm (Spodoptera frugiperda), and the pine aphid (Cinara pinivora and Cinara atlantica).

“The total elimination of a certain species can cause great environmental losses,” Institute coordinator Maria das Graças Fernandes da Silva told Tierramérica.

Furthermore, “what is a pest for one plant might be a pollinator for another,” she said.

These techniques replace toxic chemical substances that can accumulate in plants and can harm human health.