Chemical Ecology Studies in Soybean Crop in Brazil and Their Application to Pest Management

Considering the current state of soybean production and markets around the world, it is readily apparent that it is possible to divide the countries in the world in two halves: producer and consumers’. Consumers’ countries are mainly those belonging to the European Union that have their need for proteins used for animal feeding supplied in their majority by soybean seed or meal imports (Dros, 2004). The majority of soybean production is shared (80%) between four countries: the United States, Brazil, Argentina and China (Dros, 2004). Therefore, if we consider only those countries that may supply their internal needs and exporting either seeds, meals or oils, only the USA, Brazil and Argentina remain as exporting countries (Dayde et al., 2009). In this context, Brazil is currently the world second largest soybean producer (18%) and exporter (19%), with a cultivated area for soybean around 23 million ha and production around 3 ton/ha, reaching yearly a total production of approximately 68 million ton (CONAB, 2010). Worldwide, scientists in different countries are trying to increase both the productivity and profitability of the agricultural sector of their economies, to feed growing populations and to increase the quality of life for millions of people. In recent years there has been a growing concern about environmental changes, and about how we are using the resources available in natural habitats. These concerns have triggered a search for natural products as a source of medicines, cosmetics, fuel, nutrients for humans and animals, and, especially, as alternatives to synthetic pesticides. These have led to an awareness of the importance of studying natural products, and of conserving the natural habitats that remain largely unexplored in the tropics and subtropics. Within this context, and bearing in mind that research with semiochemicals has been producing more efficient tools for insect pest management, this review opens opportunities for discussions of new technologies to reduce the use of toxicant chemical insecticides against insect pest species. The development of new monitoring methods based on semiochemical interactions, sexual pheromone baits, speciesspecific attractants (including natural enemies), molecular biology studies and vibrational communication offers great prospects for its application in Pest Management and Area Wide Pest Management Programs of insect populations.