Bayer presents solutions for citrus growing at the 47th Expocitros

Greening is a disease that represents one of the biggest threats to citrus farming in the world. In Brazil's main citrus belt, between São Paulo and Minas Gerais, the disease affected 22,37% of the region's orange trees in 2021 (including planted seedlings), according to the annual survey by the Citrus Defense Fund (Fundecitrus). Given this scenario, Bayer will bring solutions to the 47th Expocitros focused on assisting producers in this and other challenges for the next harvests.

Among the company's highlights at the event, which will take place in Cordeirópolis (SP), between the 6th and 9th of June, will be the insecticide Sivanto Prime for controlling greening. The innovation is a systemic solution that has the active ingredient flupyradifurone and is part of the butenolide chemical group, which acts within the insect's nervous system.

“Specifically for greening, a disease caused by the psyllid pest (Diaphorina citri), an insect vector of the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter spp, there is no product on the market with this technology. It is a molecule that is the result of almost 15 years of research. The solution is flexible in citrus and can be used in foliar (tractor) and aerial (plane) applications”, highlights Fábio Maia, Bayer Marketing Manager for Fruits and Vegetables.

Another challenge for citrus farming that will also be discussed at Expocitros is the control of citrus canker (Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri) -- which was present in 15,61% of orange plots in the 2021 harvest, according to Fundecitrus. Among the main consequences of the disease are: defoliation and premature fruit drop -- which can affect up to 80% of orchards, in more severe cases. “These characteristics compromise the development of the crop, the loss of leaves affects the photosynthetic area of ​​the plant and can lead to lower productivity in future harvests, in addition to impacting the quality and depreciation of production for the market”, adds Fábio.

For this control, Bayer will take the Serenade to the fair. The microbiological bactericidal fungicide has multiple modes of action. Its lipopeptides, produced by the exclusive Bacillus subtilis QST713, act on the cell membrane of the fungus' reproductive structures, causing their deformation and producing ruptures. “Bacillus subtilis also acts by competing for space and nutrients on the plant surface of the plant and in the soil near the root system. In addition to helping in the management of citrus canker, it is also an option for the producer in the targets: Citrus blossom rot (Colletotrichum acutatum) and White mold/Sclerotinia rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum)”, says Fábio.

In addition to these highlights, the company also brings Alion, a herbicide for weed control. The solution has a broad spectrum of control and efficiency in the management of weeds in citrus and other relevant crops. With application once a year, the solution promotes lines free of difficult-to-control weeds, in addition to offering greater performance, effectiveness and less loss of resources. This results in less labor, less fuel use, less time spent handling and more performance, for longer.

According to Fábio Maia, the solutions, which will be presented by Bayer during the fair, aim to help producers manage citrus, enabling them to achieve maximum productivity in the field, linking sustainability and profitability. “The management generates the protection of the fruits, therefore, it is very important that the producer adopts integrated control of pests, diseases and weeds. During Expocitros, we will have the opportunity to show up close how we are bringing innovations that allow us to produce more per hectare and reduce environmental impact, helping farmers make more intelligent and efficient decisions in the field”, concludes Maia.