Strawberry harvest requires attention to root aphids, says Sindiveg

Strawberry cultivation in Brazil is expected to continue its growth trajectory in 2026, with national production estimated at around 200 tons, according to a survey by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). The 2,6% increase compared to last year reflects continuous gains in productivity and greater technological advancement, especially in traditional production centers such as Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Rio Grande do Sul.

Despite this positive scenario, cultivation still faces significant challenges, especially related to weather conditions. Unseasonal heat waves have impacted crop development and the production calendar. Generally, strawberry planting in some of Brazil's producing regions occurs between mid-April and the end of May, a period considered ideal for ensuring good root development and plant growth. Changes in this pattern, caused by the weather, can compromise crop performance.

In this context, even with technological and productive advancements, phytosanitary management remains a critical point for the sustainability of the crop. Among the main threats is the root aphid (Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominale), considered difficult to control because it acts underground and is often diagnosed late. The insect sucks the sap from the roots, causing yellowing, reduced vigor, and stunted plant growth, and can lead to death in more severe cases. Infestation tends to be more aggressive during dry periods, when the field is already under water stress.

The insect population is predominantly composed of females, and both young and adult forms feed continuously, removing fluids from plants and injecting toxins, which intensifies damage to the root system and compromises crop development. Fábio Kagi, Regulatory Affairs Manager of the National Union of Plant Protection Products Industry (Sindiveg), emphasizes that, in addition to the damage caused by sap-sucking, the root aphid also acts as a vector for the virus known as strawberry mottle, significantly increasing production losses.

“Combating the pest requires an integrated strategy that combines the use of natural enemies with balanced soil nutrition, avoiding excess nitrogen, which favors infestation. Chemical control must be judicious and based on monitoring, with the use of insecticides during fruiting and harvesting, while other pesticides can be applied at different times of the cycle, provided that technical recommendations and the appropriate period are respected,” explains the professional.

As Kagi points out, the advancement of strawberry cultivation in Brazil is directly linked to the adoption of good management practices; therefore, it is essential that producers pay attention to the correct and safe use of pesticides. "Increased productivity needs to be accompanied by efficient phytosanitary control. Constant monitoring and the integrated use of plant protection tools are fundamental to avoiding losses and guaranteeing the quality of production," he concludes.