Nematode control is the theme of the first panel of the III Brazilian Symposium on Biological Management of Coffee Culture

A morning dedicated to debating and sharing experiences on the biological control of nematodes in coffee crops. This is the proposal of the first panel of the III Brazilian Symposium on Biological Management of Coffee Culture, held on October 05th. The event, which takes place at the Villa Eventos space (Rodovia Eng. Ronan Rocha, 19304), in Franca (SP), will bring together experts and producers, on the 5th and 6th of October, to debate the most sustainable practices in coffee farming.

Nematodes are small worms that attack the roots of the coffee tree. According to research carried out by the Biological Institute, an estimate indicates that coffee productivity can be reduced by around 20% due to the action of nematodes. Therefore, it is important for coffee growers to pay attention to preventive management so that the nematode population does not get out of control.

The researcher from Incaper ES (Capixaba Institute for Research, Technical Assistance and Rural Extension), Inorbert de Melo Lima, will be one of the speakers on the panel and will propose a reflection on current practices and encouragement of greater environmental awareness in coffee management, based on the option to use biological inputs and, when necessary, the conscious use of chemicals.

“We know that producers are often led to use chemical nematicides due to their practicality, given that this product provides more immediate results. However, greater environmental awareness and market demands have led to an intensification of the use of organic products, which today represent 85% of coffee management. But, what I want to propose at the event is reflection on loyalty in this use of organic products and, in this sense, it is necessary for producers to change their mentality and attitude”, emphasizes the researcher.

For Inorbert, this awareness among producers for a more sustainable culture is intensifying, including among new generations, who tend to use biological inputs. However, the researcher emphasizes that there are different situations: some pathogens can be perfectly controlled only with biological ones; For others, however, it is necessary to initially use chemical inputs as 'shock treatment' and then continue with biological inputs.

“Some nematodes can cause premature mortality of the plant, so, to avoid this loss, the producer needs to make conscious use of chemicals and then resume using biological products”, he explains.

Why biological? - Among the main benefits of using biological inputs in coffee cultivation, Inobert highlights the structuring and maintenance of soil life, as it has physical, chemical and biological aspects in its constitution. “The use of biological control needs to be linked to a change in behavior, so that the coffee grower understands the soil as life.” Furthermore, he highlights the issue of safety, as biological management does not present risks and does not cause imbalances in the environment. And as another favorable factor, the global demand for the use of biologicals, which makes it possible to offer a safer and more sustainable product.

Inorbert also highlights the importance of bringing together researchers and producers in an event to share ideas to optimize practices in the activity that can be in balance with the ecosystem. “This multiplicity of ideas will help in the formulation and renewal of ideas. Concepts from different areas are presented and, brought together in the same space, different points of view, with 'each point of view being the view from one point'. People are there wanting to hear this information, as well as offering opinions and exchanging experiences,” he highlights.

Registration can be done via the link  Brazilian Symposium on Biological Management of Coffee Culture in Franca - 2022 - Sympla.