Embrapa begins studies to identify anomaly that has been attacking papaya trees in Roraima

Brazil is the second world producer of papaya, with a production of 1.517.696 tons per year. In Roraima, the product is also widespread and appreciated, but an anomaly in the region's papaya trees has been worrying local producers. To try to identify what has been causing the problem, which affects production and causes the death of the plant, Embrapa Roraima began a series of research in collaboration with the "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture (Esalq), at the University of São Paulo. Paulo (USP).

The anomaly, which still has an unknown cause, was observed in plants in the municipalities of Bonfim, Alto Alegre, Boa Vista and Rorainópolis, regions that have different soil and climate conditions. Symptoms of the problem include a reduction in leaf area, the presence of oily spots, a reduction in the apical bud (pointer), flowering and yellowing of the leaves.

According to researcher Daniel Schurt, several producers contacted Embrapa reporting the problem. "We carried out the first tests in our Phytopathology laboratory for the main diseases of the crop and, initially, the presence of none of them was confirmed. So, we contacted specialists in papaya viruses at Esalq for a more detailed analysis, but that also did not reveal the reason for the anomaly", explained the researcher.

The second step adopted was to carry out a detailed field study on some of the affected papaya trees. To this end, Embrapa organized a visit by the professor in the area of ​​Plant Virology at Esalq, Jorge Rezende, with the aim of collecting the material in the field. For two days, the researchers visited properties that had papaya trees with anomalies. All collected material is being analyzed again in the Unit's Laboratory. Samples were also sent for a second analysis in São Paulo.

Schurt highlights that Embrapa is aware of the problem and is seeking to study the cause and propose a solution for local producers. "We will continue research to find out if we are dealing with a disease, pest, or if it is something related to nutritional or climate issues", she explains.