Avaliação dos riscos associados ao manejo de pragas do cajueiro em Apis mellifera L.: um levantamento de dados

Abstract

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) cultivation is of significant economic importance in several tropical and subtropical regions, and is notable for the production of cashew nuts and cashew apples, a fruit that has wide culinary and industrial applications. However, cashew production faces challenges related to the incidence of pests, which can compromise the quality and productivity of the crop. Among the main pests are the cashew whitefly Aleurodicus cocois (Curtis), the cashew leaf borer (Anthistarcha binocularis Meyrick) and the cashew moth (Anacampsis phytomiella Busck), whose infestations result in significant damage to the leaves, branches and fruit of the plants. In recent years, cashew producers (cashew farmers) have sought to associate the use of pollinating bees in cultivation with the aim of increasing crop productivity and obtaining extra income from bee by-products. However, exposure to pesticides can cause adverse effects on these pollinators, including disorientation, reduced survival and decreased pollination capacity. Thus, this study aimed to verify the pest management adopted by cashew producers and whether the management adopted poses lethal risks to bees. To this end, a questionnaire was conducted with 12 producers from the coastal region of Ceará, covering the regions of Beberibe and Palhano. The data obtained in the survey were then compared with the AGROFIT and Spectra© databases to evaluate records and analyze toxicological risk. Of the producers evaluated, 50% of the interviewees do not perform pest management, as they do not have the financial and technological resources. Those who do perform pest management use only chemical control for management. Only 20% of the products used are registered for the crop, with the groups used being pyrethroid, neonicotinoid and organophosphate all classified as high risk for bees. Despite the high risk of bee poisoning, ecological selectivity management practices are adopted, preventing bees from foraging on the day of application, adapting the spraying schedule, among others. Thus, pest management in cashew crops is compatible with the association of pollinators, as long as adequate management is adopted.