Fundecitrus and SAA held events on citrus canker for Tahiti acid lime producers in regions of the citrus belt

In recent weeks, around 340 citrus growers and other professionals in the sector participated in technical meetings promoted by Fundecitrus, in partnership with the Secretariat of Agriculture and Supply of the State of São Paulo (SAA). The meetings took place in the cities of Jales, Mogi Mirim and Pindorama (SP), and focused on citrus canker management measures in Tahiti acid lime and the regulation of the risk mitigation system (SMR), which assists with management strategies for disease prevention. The importance of greening control was also addressed at the event.

The lectures given by the researcher and agricultural engineers from Fundecitrus and members of SAA alerted the sector about the situation of these diseases in the regions of the citrus belt, which have the largest areas where the fruit is grown. Participants received guidance and were able to ask questions about management measures and phytosanitary regulations.

The Tahiti lime is one of the fruits most traded by Brazil to other countries and leads national exports of fresh citrus fruits. And despite having less susceptibility to cancer compared to oranges, they are also vulnerable.

The last survey carried out by Fundecitrus, in September, showed an increase in the incidence of cancer in orange orchards. The disease is present in 18,77% of trees, an increase of 74,44% compared to 2021.

According to Fundecitrus researcher Franklin Behlau, the producer has available measures that can neutralize or minimize the harmful effect of the disease in orchards, such as the application of copper-based bactericides and the use of windbreak barriers, especially in orchards destined for to the production of table fruits.

“Citrus canker is a very worrying disease in citrus farming as it directly impacts fruit production. However, if preventive measures are taken appropriately, it is possible to manage successfully and sustainably. The adoption of SRM is still recent in the state of São Paulo. Therefore, these technical meetings were important to communicate about the most efficient ways to control the disease, especially for producers who are unaware of the problem. It is necessary for the entire production and marketing chain of Tahiti acid lime to mobilize and pass on this information to the sector,” explains Behlau.