PlantwisePlus Blog

Across Latin America, misuse and overuse of pesticides continue to pose risks to human health, the environment, and farm productivity. Addressing the improper use of pesticides requires not only technical knowledge but also strong partnerships. Public-private collaboration can support activities and embed safer practices over the long term.

In this context, PlantwisePlus is working with public- and private-sector partners. The aim is to strengthen pesticide risk reduction within Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. The programme promotes more precise, informed, and need-based pesticide use. This aims to reduce unnecessary applications while maintaining effective pest control.

A recent regional Training of Trainers (ToT) on pesticide application technology illustrates what this kind of public-private partnership can achieve. In partnership with Guarany, PlantwisePlus delivered regional training to partners from throughout Latin America. Participants came from research institutes, agricultural ministries, and the private sector in Peru, Costa Rica, Bolivia, and Nicaragua. They improved their technical understanding of how correct application practices directly reduce exposure risks and environmental contamination.

The training empowered participants to take the learning back to their countries, where they can replicate it by training colleagues and farmers on best practices. These cover the application of both chemical and biological pesticides. Ensuring information continues to flow through local networks contributes to greater sustainability and safety. It also helps ensure that risk reduction messages reach the field level.

“The Training of Trainers approach is extremely relevant for our context. It allows us to transfer knowledge directly to farmers and other technicians, helping to promote safer pesticide use and better application practices across our local networks.”  Patricia Orihuela, INIA Plant Doctor in Tarapoto, Peru.

Reducing pesticide-related risks through better application practices

Proper pesticide application is essential for effective pest control and for reducing risks to human health and the environment. PlantwisePlus’s Pesticide Risk Reduction pathway promotes IPM strategies that combine biological control, cultural practices, and the responsible use of pesticides only when necessary and in the correct manner. Together, these approaches support safer and more sustainable production systems.

Through the training, participants learned how to calibrate equipment correctly, select appropriate droplet sizes, and select suitable nozzles for different application scenarios. These practices improve spray efficiency and limit off-target contamination, thereby reducing the risks associated with pesticide use.

“This training strengthened my understanding of safe and effective pesticide application and gave me practical tools I can share with farmers and colleagues in Bolivia. The focus on both chemical and biological products is especially valuable for improving decision-making at the field level.” Emmanuel Duran, Agro-Input Dealer in Vallegrande, Bolivia

Combining theory with hands-on learning

Guarany experts led both theoretical sessions and hands-on demonstrations, drawing on the company’s deep expertise to showcase state-of-the-art spraying equipment designed to improve precision and operator safety.

Participants applied what they learned directly in the field. This strengthened their understanding of how correct application technology contributes to effective pest management and reduced environmental impact. This practical experience strengthened participants’ confidence in transferring this knowledge to farmers, technicians, and other stakeholders.

PlantwisePlus digital tools supporting technology of application

The training also introduced participants to the PlantwisePlus digital advisory tools, resources that can help extend the partnership’s reach beyond the classroom. Tools such as the Crop Sprayer app, CABI BioProtection Portal, PlantwisePlus Knowledge Bank, and CABI Academy help technicians and farmers make informed, science-based decisions in their daily work. As such, they are supporting efforts to raise awareness of IPM practices.

Each tool targets a specific need. The Crop Sprayer app supports precise pesticide applications. The CABI BioProtection Portal provides access to validated information on biological control products registered in 50 countries. The PlantwisePlus Knowledge Bank supports crop pest and disease diagnosis and management. CABI Academy offers online training courses, including on bioprotection products and reducing pesticide risks.

Together, these digital tools empower users to adopt more sustainable practices and improve the success of pest management in the field.

Strengthening collaboration for sustainable crop protection

The event was part of a long-term collaboration between PlantwisePlus and Guarany, a Brazilian company known for developing and promoting technologies for the safe and efficient application of agricultural products.

Alida Bellandi from Guarany explained the partnership’s importance, “collaborating with CABI in various Latin American countries over the years, has been a valuable experience, and we are pleased to hear that it is as productive as successful in transferring spraying technology to the field, through the best sustainable practices.”

Guarany is a sponsor of the CABI BioProtection Portal. They work with CABI to promote sustainable pest management practices, build capacity, and encourage the responsible use of pesticides, along with biological control, as part of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs across Latin America. Alida added, “By sharing common ideals and principles, we came to an understanding of the importance of joining efforts in order to multiply the knowledge acquired over the years.”

Together, CABI and Guarany have carried out joint initiatives, from technical training sessions to knowledge-sharing events, that bridge the gap between research, technology, and on-farm practice. This collaboration demonstrates how public-private partnerships can accelerate the adoption of safer, more effective, and environmentally responsible agricultural practices.

“This regional training reflects PlantwisePlus’ commitment to strengthening local capacity through partnerships. By working with Guarany and our national partners, we are supporting safer pesticide use while ensuring that knowledge continues to flow through countries and farming communities across Latin America,” said Dr. Yelitza Colmenarez, PlantwisePlus Regional Coordinator for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Empowering change through knowledge

This initiative reinforces CABI’s commitment to advancing safe and sustainable crop protection in Latin America by combining in-person capacity building with digital innovation. The collaboration with Guarany highlights how partnerships that unite technology, expertise, and field experience can make a tangible difference, enabling local trainers to act as agents of change within their communities.