Biological control The biological control of certain sugarcane pests is another research focus. COSAN produces spores of the Metarhizium anisopliae fungus, cultivated on rice grains, replacing the use of pesticides in the control of spittlebugs (Mahanarva fimbrioleta). Another common pest in cane fields is the sugarcane borer (Diatraea saccharalis), which the Group controls with the Cotesia flavipes wasp, which is also bred in specific company laboratories. Both controls contribute to environmental preservation.