Embrapa varieties are presented at the Official Opening of the Rice Harvest

During the mornings of February 12th to 14th, researchers from Embrapa Clima Temperado (Pelotas, RS) present technological solutions developed by the research to the participants of the 30th Official Opening of the Rice Harvest (AOCA), held at the Terras Baixas Experimental Station of the Unit, in Capão do Leão. In the variety showcase, five rice cultivars on display: BRS Pampeira, BRS Pampa CL, BRS 358, BRS A701 CL and the new one, BRS A705.

In particular, the most recent variety, BRS A705, which should be launched later this year. Its main advantage is its size, 5 to 10 cm shorter than commercial varieties, which makes it resistant to lodging. It also has an early cycle and productivity of around 10 tons per hectare. 

Another highlight is BRS Pampeira, one of the Embrapa varieties with the highest productivity ceiling, between 10 and 12 tons per hectare. Launched three years ago, the material is also today the most used in the state of Tocantins as it is highly resistant to blast.

BRS Pampa CL has already been used in Rio Grande do Sul for four years and has shown good resistance to blast and other diseases, in addition to being tolerant to iron toxicity. In recent harvests, the industry has paid premiums when purchasing due to the quality of the grain.

BRS 358, aimed at Japanese cuisine, has also stood out for its quality. In the municipality of Jaguarão, producers received 50% more for production. Its advantages lie in the grain, which is shorter and rounder and has a low amylose content, which makes it more sticky and wet after cooking.

Finally, BRS 701 CL is the second Embrapa variety for the Clearfield system. Developed from BRS Taim – widely used in the State in the past –, it is resistant to broad-spectrum herbicides, and is also moderately resistant to the main crop diseases.

According to the researchers, all Embrapa materials have already been tested in the field and in industry and, in general, have shown high productivity and excellent grain quality. "Embrapa does not compromise on these qualities in its launches", added Embrapa researcher and breeder Paulo Fagundes.

Lowland Soybean Care

In the technological showcase dedicated to soy, researchers Giovani Theisen and Lilia del Aguila demonstrate to producers the main difficulties in soy production in lowlands and some management guidelines to solve the problems. The main indications involve loosening the soil, liming and investing in irrigation.

Despite having gained expression in the southern half of the state, being the main crop in integration with irrigated rice, soybeans are sensitive to lowland areas, given the soil conditions, which are waterlogged and more sandy and compacted. Such conditions are poorly tolerated by the culture.

One of the solutions presented is the use of ridges, which brings benefits for irrigation, in the furrow, and, in systematized areas, helps with drainage, preventing plants from being exposed to waterlogging. The flat soil of the lowlands is favorable to this type of system, which also helps to loosen the soil.

Another important point is liming. The researchers recommend that soil analysis be carried out and, if necessary, lime applied up to three months before planting, which in the region occurs in November.

In relation to the drought in recent harvests, the recommendation is to invest in irrigation systems. This year, the lack of rain caused a water deficit of approximately 225 millimeters in soybean crops, with an expected drop in productivity of up to 60%. Last year, 75 bags per hectare were harvested in irrigated experimental areas, compared to 28 bags in non-irrigated areas.

Technical roadmaps

In the technological showcases, exhibitions are being held for groups of 35 people, on average, lasting around twenty minutes. In total, 30 groups and more than a thousand people passed through the stand today, who also visited another 18 shelves from partner companies.