Biological control and integrated pest management in family farming: an applied review and sustainable strategies for productive backyards and gardens in the Cerrado.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69849/evr69708Keywords:
integrated pest management, biological control, smallholder agriculture, habitat management, backyard production systems, CerradoAbstract
Family-based production systems in the Cerrado face strong pest pressure, climatic variability, and irregular access to inputs and technical assistance. Under these conditions, reactive pesticide use tends to increase costs, raise risks to natural enemies and pollinators, and favor resistance selection. This applied review synthesizes core principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and biological control for vegetable gardens and backyard production systems, emphasizing low-cost tactics with high operational feasibility. Evidence is organized into four tactical domains: monitoring and action thresholds, cultural and mechanical measures, habitat management, and biological control through conservation and applied tactics. As a practical contribution, the article proposes an 8-step decision model illustrated by three technical vignettes. The synthesis indicates that integrating tactics can reduce reliance on chemical interventions and support broader IPM adoption in smallholder agriculture.
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