ML del P Pérez1, G Gastaminza2, L Carabaca3, MF Feiguin3 and DO Ferraro4
1Yungas Group, Argentine Association of Regional Consortia for Agricultural Experimentation (AACREA), Buenos Aires, Argentina; mlperez795@gmail.com
2Zoology Section, Obispo Colombres Agroindustrial Experimental Station (EEAOC), Tucumán, Argentina
3Environmental Management, Argentine Association of Regional Consortia for Agricultural Experimentation (AACREA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
4Faculty of Agronomy, University of Buenos Aires (FAUBA), Argentina
The stemborer Diatraea saccharalis is the main pest of sugarcane in Argentina. Its control has evolved in recent years toward more effective and sustainable strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the economic and environmental impact of two insecticides, chlorantraniliprole and methoxyfenozide, using (1) the PRORIPEST model developed at the University of Buenos Aires and (2) the Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ) calculator from the CREA Environmental Management System developed by the Regional Consortia for Agricultural Experimentation. Profitability, impact on parasitoids, and risk indicators for the environment, applicator and consumer were analysed. Chlorantraniliprole showed high control efficacy without significantly affecting parasitoid emergence, although profitability varied. Methoxyfenozide showed consistently positive returns and a low environmental footprint. Both products exhibited low environmental risk values. These results support the integration of multiple indicators to inform more responsible pest management in sugarcane systems.