The weather conditions of the last few weeks have contributed to the recovery and good development of corn crops in Rio Grande do Sul. According to the Conjunctural Report released by Emater/RS this Thursday (January 8th), the volume of rain combined with suitable temperatures has favored the crop in different regions of the state.
The survey indicates a partial recovery in productivity in areas affected by the drought recorded between the end of November and December. Irrigated crops show excellent development, with expectations of high yields. Also noteworthy are the areas sown later, which were not in a critical phase during the period of water deficit and continue to perform well.
Despite the benefits to plant growth, recent rains have increased the pressure from fungi and bacterial diseases, requiring attention from producers, as well as monitoring of the corn leafhopper. Currently, 93% of the area estimated by Emater/RS for corn — totaling 785.030 hectares — has already been sown, with a predominance of crops in the grain-filling stage.
Crops intended for silage production are in satisfactory condition throughout the state. Recent rainfall has helped partially recover areas affected by low humidity in late November and early December, supporting expectations of good yields.
The projected area for silage corn is 366.067 hectares, with an estimated productivity of 38.338 kg/ha, according to data from Emater/RS.
Soybean planting is nearing completion in Rio Grande do Sul, reaching 96% of the planned area, estimated at 6.742.236 hectares. Most of the crops are in vegetative development (87%), while 13% are already in flowering, especially those planted early.
As the planting window draws to a close, there is a greater adoption of late-cycle cultivars, a strategy aimed at ensuring an adequate period of vegetative development. In general, crops show good stand and uniform growth, with no significant reports of pests or diseases. Producers are maintaining preventive fungicide applications, especially against Asian soybean rust, intensifying monitoring due to higher humidity and elevated temperatures.
Rice cultivation remains mostly in the vegetative development stage, although some areas are already advancing to the reproductive phase, with the beginning of flowering and fertilizer applications to meet nutritional demands. Rainfall was important for the crops, but in certain regions it caused structural damage, requiring reconstruction, as observed in the Central Region.
The drop in temperatures at the end of the period is causing concern among producers, especially in areas in the reproductive phase. The area estimated by Irga is 920.081 hectares, and the initial productivity predicted by Emater/RS is 8.752 kg/ha.
The continued rainfall has favored the first bean crop, which is nearing the end of its cycle in most regions. However, the rainfall has been delaying the harvest in some areas. Productivity losses have been recorded in crops that faced water stress during grain filling.
Approximately 75% of the estimated area for the crop, totaling 26.096 hectares, has already been sown. The crops show good phytosanitary conditions, with constant monitoring for pests and diseases.
In the Emater/RS administrative region of Lajeado, in Bom Princípio, the harvested green corn shows a good quality standard, with adequate ear formation, grain filling, and color. Between Christmas and New Year's, there was a reduction in sales, and the average price is R$ 2,00 per ear, lower than that observed at the beginning of the month. Despite the quality, producers face difficulties in distribution, possibly related to the limited logistical channels to the coast, the main consumer market during this period.
In Cruzeiro do Sul, the crop is still being harvested and marketed, with fields at different phenological stages. Generally, the plants are showing good development, with no significant reports of pests or diseases. The price received by the producer on the farm is R$ 0,40 per ear.
In the Lajeado region, orange and bergamot crops are currently in their off-season. Recent rains have favored the development of bergamot fruits, with thinning expected to begin in the second half of January, aiming at essential oil production. In Pareci Novo, producers have already started thinning early-ripening bergamot trees.
Regular rainfall and high temperatures have stimulated vegetative growth, with canopy renewal and the emergence of young leaves, which, due to their less resistant tissues, are more susceptible to biotic stresses. Management operations, such as mowing, are in their final phase, while preventive phytosanitary treatments are being intensified, with emphasis on whitefly control and the management of fungal diseases, especially black spot.
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