Rains should stabilize corn productivity in the Cocamar regions of Paraná

Given the good volume of rain that has occurred in recent days and with 40% of corn crops already in the reproductive phase in the regions served by Cocamar, the cooperative's Technical Department released, this week, the estimate of a productivity of around 195 bags per bushel (80,5/hectare), compared to an initial forecast of 2020 bags per bushel (90/hectare).

As technical manager Rodrigo Sakurada explains, some regions suffered a little more from climate variations in recent months, such as Maringá and its surroundings and the northwest of Paraná, where producers sowed earlier, between the end of January and the beginning of February.

“In addition to very high temperatures, there were periods of lack of rain, which affected the initial development of plants, reducing their productive potential”, he states. On the other hand, where the crop was sown a little later, the expectation, in his assessment, is of a productivity within the average that had been projected.

As for pest attacks, producers have controlled the stink bug and have not had any problems, so far, with the leafhopper – which, in recent years, with the exception of 2023, has caused a lot of damage. “The presence of the leafhopper is below expectations, perhaps similar to last year”, says the technical manager, explaining that from now on, when the corn advances in its reproductive phase, symptoms will possibly begin to be noticed.

“We will find out if, even with a low population, the leafhopper will leave its marks”, he comments, remembering that producers did have difficulties controlling another pest, the aphid, which spread mainly during the drier period.

In short, according to the technical manager, differences can be seen in the development of crops from region to region, due to the irregular climate of recent months, characterized especially by poor moisture distribution. With the rainfall of the last few days, which hit all regions, also bringing more pleasant weather, the situation becomes more favorable.