Embrapa presents soybean pest pheromones

Brazilian researchers have developed a pheromone to assist in the control of certain soybean pests. The Brazilian agricultural research corporation, the Embrapa, is making the pheromones available to Brazilian entrepreneurs, it says. Research is largely directed at stinkbugs (Euchistus heros), Embrapa researcher Miguel Borges says. The long-term aim is to extend the studies towards a whole range of such bugs, including southern green stinkbugs (Nezara viridula) and redbanded stinkbugs (Piezodorus guildinii), he adds. Embrapa's pheromone studies are part of its programme, PROETA, which seeks to make technology available to companies that are in partnership with the corporation.