Rains impact citrus production in Rio Grande do Sul

The intense rains that hit Rio Grande do Sul in recent periods have caused serious damage to citrus production in the state. Orange and bergamot orchards, many in full harvest, are suffering from high soil humidity, resulting in small, cracked fruits, as well as a considerable reduction in productivity. According to Emater-RS, diseases have severely affected the fruits, further worsening the damage.

The administrative region of Emater-RS of Santa Rosa, for example, faces a high incidence of fruit flies, damaging Okitsu, Ponkan, Satsuma and common bergamots, as well as navel, sky and blood oranges. Furthermore, younger plants are being attacked by aphids on the shoots and by leaf-mining larvae. The situation is so serious that the price for the industry remains at R$6,00/kg, reflecting the difficulty in maintaining the quality of the fruits.

In Frederico Westphalen, the combination of excessive rain, cloudy days and high humidity resulted in the decline of oranges and bergamots, with an estimated productivity reduction of between 30% and 35%. Orchards, which are in the final stage of development and beginning of fruit maturation of medium and late cycle varieties, are particularly affected. Early cycle varieties, such as Laranja de Umbigo Bahia, Iapar 73 and Salustiana, are being harvested and sold, with the prospect of an increase in the amount paid to the producer if industrial quality improves.

In Caxias do Sul, surveys and mapping of affected areas and losses in producing municipalities are being carried out. Several Proagro operations are being verified, as farmers face difficulties accessing their properties due to waterlogging of the soil and landslides that block roads. There are records of fruit falling in varieties such as Caí bergamot, Pareci and Ponkan. Later varieties, such as Montenegrina, Rainha and Murcott, which are still growing, have cracks in the skin and pulp, increasing losses. Orange production also suffers from low fruit load due to problems in the flowering and setting phases.

In the Erechim region, orange cultivation suffered losses in flooded areas close to rivers, especially in Itatiba do Sul and Erval Grande. There are still early oranges to be harvested (Iapar, Salustiana, Rubi, Umbigo Navelina and Bahia), with an average price of R$ 1,50/kg to the producer. Buyers are already showing interest in Valencia orange, even with a low Brix level, at a price of R$1,00/kg. New orchards are being established in the region, with the largest area located in Centenário. Total orange production is expected to be 30% lower than in normal years. The harvest of Tahiti lemon and common bergamot, Caí and Satsuma continues, being sold at R$ 2,00/kg.