An average of 120 leafhoppers per trap were found in Santa Catarina.

The latest survey from the Monitora Milho Santa Catarina program recorded a high incidence of corn leafhoppers in the state. The state average reached 120 insects per trap.

Maria Cristina Canale, a researcher at Epagri responsible for the program, explains that the growth follows the pattern of the season. The advancement of crops into the vegetative phase and higher temperatures favor the multiplication of insects.

The highest rates of traps were found in Porto União, in the Northern Plateau region, Xanxerê, Campo Erê, Irati, São Lourenço do Oeste and Tunápolis, in the West, as well as Braço do Norte, in the South of the State.

Maria Cristina points out that managing pests with chemical products can reduce the pest population in crops. According to her, producers should not neglect planting during this critical period for plant infection.

The program uses PCR testing to identify pathogens in collected insects. The tool allows the production sector to be informed about the risks of disease transmission and the level of threat by region.

In recent weeks, monitoring has indicated a progressive increase in the bacteria associated with the red stunt phytoplasma. Frequent presence of the viruses that cause fine rayado and striated mosaic disease has also been recorded.