Bayer develops initiative for preventive monitoring of corn leafhoppers in the south of the country

The declines in productivity in the 2020/2021 corn harvest, mainly due to the delay in rain in southern Brazil, were intensified by the incidence of leafhoppers (Dalbulus maidis) in the region. According to the survey carried out by the Institute of Rural Development of Paraná (IDR-Paraná) and the Agricultural Defense Agency of Paraná (Adapar), the pest was present in 48% of municipalities in Paraná in the cycle, a much higher incidence than in recent years in the State.

For Bayer's specialist Market Development agronomist, Paulo Garollo, this scenario should repeat itself in the 2021/2022 harvest, if the producer does not carry out preventive management. "The presence of leafhoppers can occur from the first stages of corn development, as they can migrate from one cycle to another through what we call a 'green bridge'. The sooner the plant is attacked and infected by transmitted diseases by the leafhopper, the greater the damage caused to the crop", explains the specialist.
To help producers be more assertive in pest management and mitigate greater losses in grain production, Bayer developed the Cigarette Combat Squad for crops in Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. The pilot monitoring initiative, which will be carried out in partnership with agtech Farmbox and CGM Monitoramento, aims to create a collaborative data network on the pest, which will deliver regional maps of the presence of leafhoppers and symptomatic plants in the 21/22 harvest.

"Monitoring is the key to preventing damage caused by the insect. The focus of the initiative is to help producers solve a major problem, which is significantly impacting the profitability of corn, especially in the south of the country. With the data generated through Squad, the farmer will be able to manage the pest in time, with savings, effective protection for his business and sustainability", explains Rodrigo Nuernberg, director of Bayer's corn business for the South region.

The work begins with a georeferencing visit to the plot, which subsequently receives the technical team for monitoring. Visits are carried out at intervals of 7 to 10 days throughout the crop cycle. "With crop inspection it is possible to understand which pest(s) are occurring in the field, estimate the population density and damage caused by these pests, in addition to estimating the occurrence of natural control. When the presence of the insect is detected, the field team receives the data generated and is able to advise the producer with more assertive management", comments Renato Xavier Silva, Customer Success manager at Farmbox.

The leafhopper is an insect vector, that is, it does not cause significant damage directly, but indirectly. The problem is caused when the pest, during the feeding process, plays the role of transmitter of pathogens that cause pale and red stunting of corn. Losses can exceed 70%, especially when using a complex-sensitive hybrid.

"Producers need to be aware that adopting a single management strategy, in isolation, is not enough. Therefore, to reduce and prevent the outbreak of the pest in crops, it is necessary to manage the corn leafhopper by practicing Integrated Management (MIP), considering monitoring, the use of corn hybrids with greater tolerance to stunting and chemical control measures", highlights Garollo.

Technical training platform
To help even more professionals in the field to help the producer in making decisions for the correct management of the corn leafhopper, Bayer, in partnership with DOT digital group and Geração Agro, launches an online and accessible educational program for corn technicians. all over Brazil. The course "Management of Leafhoppers in Corn Culture" aims to train more than 700 professionals by the end of this year, teaching them about good agricultural practices for managing the pest. Interested parties can redeem the service through the company's relationship and loyalty program, Impulso Bayer.

 
During the course, students will have access to information, prepared by Bayer, together with the consultancy Geração Agro, such as: recent facts involving the advancement of the disease, the pathogen (how it interferes with the physiology of the plant), the leafhopper (vector of the problem ), how to identify (recognize the symptoms), the damage (simulations and cases of producers who experienced stunting) and how to help their clients (practical step by step for the professional to have active and preventive participation with the producer).

 
To help participants gain a better understanding of the content in a quick, interactive and accessible way, the course will be available via WhatsApp, through a chatbot tool, developed by DOT digital group. Access will be on the social network itself, directed through a decision tree. By obeying the indicated command, the student will receive the content. Participants will be able to access the training remotely, at any time of the day and will receive a certificate at the end.