Department of Agriculture monitors locust outbreaks in the northwest region of RS

The Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development (Seapdr) began, on Monday, November 30, an investigation into locust outbreaks in the northwest region of Rio Grande do Sul. The occurrence information came from producers, rural unions and entities in the region .

“We are investigating the situation, but, according to the information obtained, these are not migratory locusts of the species Schistocerca cancellata, with the current Emergency Ordinance. The occurrence of locust outbreaks of different species is expected due to climatic conditions and the time of year", reassures agronomist Ricardo Felicetti, head of Seapdr's Plant Health Defense Division.

According to Felicetti, preliminary surveys indicate decentralized infestations, not capable of forming clouds. The suspicion is that it is an endemic and common species. "The biggest concern is the occurrence of outbreaks of S. cancellata, as the potential for infestation and damage is greater. There are teams monitoring the region to monitor and provide guidance to producers. The secretariat is evaluating the necessary response measures, if necessary", he explains.

Outbreak information must be forwarded to Seapdr, through the communication channels listed below, or to the surveillance network, made up of inspectorates and agricultural defense offices of the secretariatand the municipal offices of Emater/RS-Ascar.

Outbreak communication channels

Whatsapp: (51) 8412 9961
Email: vigifito@agricultura.rs.gov.br
DDSV Customer Service: (51) 3288-6289, 3288-6294