Embrapa launches wheat and triticale cultivars at Dia de Campo in PR

Addressing the challenges and presenting technological solutions for wheat, triticale and corn crops was what permeated the discussions at the Winter Field Day, promoted by Embrapa Soja, the Agronomic Institute of Paraná (Iapar) and the Meridional Research Support Foundation, on Friday, August 2nd, at the Embrapa Technologies Showcase, in Londrina (PR). During the event, Embrapa and Fundação Meridional launched the wheat cultivar BRS Atobá and the triticale cultivar BRS Surubim. 

The program included technical stations covering topics related to wheat and corn cultivation, such as: wheat and triticale cultivars, phytotechnical adjustment of Embrapa's wheat cultivars and the importance of wheat in the diversification of the production system. Regarding corn cultivation, the focus was on diagnosis, damage and management of corn stunting and control of caterpillars and stink bugs in corn. “Our objective is to demonstrate to producers and technicians the latest research, new cultivars and technologies related to soil management, pests and diseases”, highlights researcher André Prando, from Embrapa Soja. “It is important to have opportunities like this to pass on information and exchange experiences in search of improvements in the production system and the sustainability of agricultural production”, reinforced the researcher.

Embrapa Cultivar Releases

BRS Atobá is an early cycle improving wheat cultivar with broad adaptability and grain yield stability in Paraná (regions 1, 2 and 3), Santa Catarina (regions 1 and 2), São Paulo (region 2) and in Mato and in Mato Grosso do Sul (region 3). According to researcher Manoel Bassoi, from Embrapa Soja, the cultivar has a low size and good tolerance to lodging and pre-harvest germination. 

Furthermore, the early cycle cultivar is healthy, with the distinguishing feature being resistance to powdery mildew and moderately resistant to Fusarium head blight, leaf spots and leaf rust. The cultivar is only susceptible to blast. “Due to its great gluten strength, its main application is in the manufacture of industrial bread, mixing with weak flours and pasta production”, says Bassoi. 

BRS Surubim

BRS Surubim is a productive triticale cultivar, with a medium cycle, great stability and agronomic behavior, as it incorporates characteristics such as rusticity and resistance to lodging. The cultivar also shows wide adaptation, being recommended for Paraná (regions 1, 2 and 3), São Paulo (region 2) and Santa Catarina (regions 1 and 2). Regarding health, the cultivar is resistant to powdery mildew and leaf rust, as well as good tolerance to blight. It is susceptible to blast and Fusarium head blight. “Its main application is mixing in wheat flour for various uses and also in animal feed, says Bassoi.  

Meridional Foundation and Embrapa Partnership

The Meridional Foundation is a partner with Embrapa in carrying out research to develop new cultivars, as well as in the transfer of technologies. “The partnership is two-way and needs to be strengthened to continue achieving positive results”, highlighted President Josef Pfann, of the Foundation. In addition to Embrapa, Meridional is Iapar's partner in generating new technologies. Researcher Carlos Riede highlighted that Iapar presented, during the field day, the triticale and wheat cultivars for Paraná, with emphasis on IPR Potiporã, a bread wheat with high productivity and wide adaptation. “We have to encourage the expansion of the wheat area due to the contribution that the crop brings to the production system. Wheat benefits crop rotation; it helps in the production of straw and consequently in soil conservation, as well as in the control of weeds”, he highlighted.

For technician Taurino Alexandrino Loiola, who provides technical assistance to producers covering approximately 30 thousand hectares in the Wenceslau Braz region, it is always advantageous to participate in the field day. “Make a point of participating in an event like this, because we always add more knowledge to help producers make decisions,” he said.