Oxitec Partners with Suzano to Explore Sustainable Solutions for Devastating Eucalyptus Pest
MEDIA ADVISORY
26 JUNE 2024
Oxitec Partners with Suzano to Explore Sustainable Solutions for Devastating Eucalyptus Pest
The invasive red gum lerp psyllid threatens the USD$46 billion eucalyptus industry in Brazil. Oxitec and Suzano, LATAM’s largest paper and pulp producer, have partnered to explore how Oxitec’s Friendly™ platform could deliver sustainable protection of eucalyptus plantations from this damaging pest.
Oxitec, the leading developer of insect-based biological solutions to control pests that transmit disease, destroy crops and harm livestock, today announced a new partnership with Suzano, a world leader in the production of Eucalyptus cellulose used in the production of paper and pulp. This collaboration marks the first step towards the development of a new solution to control the red gum lerp psyllid, Glycaspis brimblecombei, one of the most destructive pests of Eucalyptus plantations. This insect, of Australian origin, thrives in Brazilian conditions and damages several species of eucalyptus trees.
Since its arrival in the São Paulo region in Brazil in 2003, the red gum lerp psyllid has posed a devastating threat to the planted forest sector, requiring control strategies that have proven to be ineffective and costly. The psyllid lays its eggs on Eucalyptus leaves, and their offspring (nymphs) further damage the plants by feeding on the phloem. The damage caused by this insect includes leaf discoloration, defoliation, and the death of leaf tips, ultimately impacting wood production.
In light of the limited number of insecticides registered to control this pest, and their low effectiveness, Oxitec and Suzano are investigating development of an innovative and sustainable solution to counter this threat. The project will focus on understanding the biology of the pest and current management tools, and how the Friendly™ platform could be applied to address this major pest challenge.
"This partnership represents Oxitec’s and Suzano's commitment to sustainable agriculture and the development of innovative solutions to combat the challenges faced by this sector. We are excited to work together to create safe, effective and sustainable options for Brazilian eucalyptus cultivation, offering not only environmental and productivity benefits, but also boosting the country's economic growth", highlights Natalia Ferreira, Managing Director of Oxitec Brazil.
“At Suzano, we say that it is only good for us if it is good for the world. With this partnership, we seek to develop sustainable pest management strategies for silviculture. ‘Innovability’ (innovation + sustainability) is in the company's DNA and, with this project, we hope to generate value for the Brazilian forestry sector”, said Edival Zauza, Forestry Research Manager at Suzano.
Eucalyptus cultivation plays an important role in the Brazilian economy, as it is used in the production of materials such as paper and hardwood pulp. Brazil is the largest exporter and second-largest producer of cellulose, recording revenue of US$46 billion in 2022, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). China, one of the main destinations for Brazilian cellulose, imported almost half of the total volume produced in the country in 2023, generating domestic revenue of USD$3.8 billion.
This partnership between Suzano and Oxitec aims not only to explore new solutions for the protection of eucalyptus plantations from the damage caused by the red gum lerp psyllid, but also to promote sustainable and efficient forest management, driving the growth of this sector.
About Oxitec
Oxitec is the leading developer of biological solutions to control pests that transmit disease, destroy crops and harm livestock. Founded in 2002 at the University of Oxford, Oxitec is led by a passionate team made up of over 15 nationalities and is supported by world-class public, private and not-for-profit partners. Find out more at www.oxitec.com/br.
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