The exchange of plant germplasm is extremely important to the genetic improvement and even to other agricultural research areas, so being essential to the progress of Brazilian agriculture. An entomological inspection is carried out at the Laboratory of Plant Quarantine, Embrapa - Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (Cenargen) to avoid or to minimize the pest introduction risk through the importation of plant germplasm. From October 1989 to December 1996 about 98.000 importation germplasm access were inspected at the laboratory and nine orders and at least 33 families and 21 genus were detected. The majority of these insects can be direct or indirectly harmful to the plant germplasm and can also cause great losses to important crops if introduced into the country. So the importance of applying quarantine measures to prevent the introduction of insects species or biotypes together with plant germplasms of agricultural interest must be emphasized.
Insecta; exchange; pests; plant protection; inspection