Government of Santa Catarina monitors locust cloud in Argentina

The Government of Santa Catarina held on Wednesday, June 24, the first working meeting to plan response actions, given the possibility of the entry of the cloud of migratory locusts that are moving through Argentine territory. The meeting was held virtually and was attended by representatives from the State Civil Defense (DCSC), Epagri, Cidasc, State Department of Agriculture and the Military Fire Department.

According to experts in the field, the possibility of arrival in Santa Catarina is remote. Even so, cloud monitoring will be carried out preventively, with the integration of the bodies involved and coordinated by the Integrated Center for Risk and Disaster Management (CIGERD).

The climate trend for the next few days indicates that the winds favor the removal of the locust cloud from Brazilian territory. The arrival of a cold front in the coming days could further contribute to reducing the risk, as the species needs temperatures above 25 degrees to remain active. Rain can also cause insect mortality.

According to Epagri entomologists, the cloud was closest to Santa Catarina territory at the beginning of June, when it was over Argentina and close to the border with Paraguay. Today it is closer to Uruguaiana, on the border with Rio Grande do Sul.

The State Government maintains contact and has information provided by the Argentine National Food Safety and Quality Service (SENASA), the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and the Rio Grande do Sul Secretariat of Agriculture.

It is important to highlight that at this moment there is no need for preventive action on the part of farmers. The indiscriminate use of agrochemicals, in addition to wasting resources, can cause negative impacts on the environment, affecting pollinating insects and damaging various crops.

Locust cloud alerts

If necessary, Civil Defense and the Department of Agriculture will issue alerts to farmers and professionals. Rural producers who have any suspicions regarding the arrival of a "locust cloud" can contact the municipal offices of Cidasc or Epagri.

Learn more at:

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