Agrodefesa inspectors are monitoring whiteflies and viruses in bean crops in 12 municipalities in Goiás. The action meets one of the requirements following the temporary suspension of the crop's sanitary gap in part of the state. Jataí, Mineiros and Rio Verde remain subject to the mandatory measure.
The work is being carried out in partnership with UFG, Embrapa Arroz e Feijão and the Ministry of Agriculture (Mapa). The objective is to gather technical data to decide whether the suspension of the measure will remain valid in the other municipalities.
A whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) represents a high risk to bean production. The insect damages leaves, transmits viruses such as golden mosaic and can make entire harvests unviable.
“Even with the suspension, producers need to follow phytosanitary measures. The pressure from the pest requires constant monitoring,” warns Leonardo Macedo, Plant Health Manager at Agrodefesa.
Monitoring follows Embrapa's technical protocol, with sampling at 20 and 45 days after planting. Leaves with suspicious symptoms are analyzed at MAPA's LFDA. The data will be included in a report that will serve as a basis for future decisions on the sanitary gap.
According to Mário Sérgio de Oliveira, from Agrodefesa, the survey assesses the presence of the pest and the damage caused to crops. The substance excreted by the insect favors fungi, reduces photosynthesis and affects the plant's cycle.
The sanitary gap was created 10 years ago as a barrier against diseases. In 2024, the measure continued in 57 municipalities between September 20 and October 20. In the others, the Ministry accepted the proposal for a two-year suspension, with the commitment of Agrodefesa to monitor the impacts.
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