RS 2024/25 Harvest: corn and rice harvest advances

The drought continues to affect soybean crops in Rio Grande do Sul, causing losses in several regions, mainly in the Center-West of the state. Irregular rainfall has led to partial recovery in some areas, while in others, water shortages have caused symptoms such as leaf curl and abortion of reproductive structures. The crop is in the grain filling phase in 57% of the areas and in the maturation phase in 20%, but the harvest is still in its infancy, reaching only 3% of the planted area.

Corn harvesting is progressing rapidly, with 68% of the area already harvested, benefiting from low air humidity. Rice, on the other hand, is showing momentary water stability and harvesting is progressing, although grain quality in some crops has been impacted by excessive heat.

Soybeans: drought compromises

Irregular rainfall resulted in significant losses for soybeans in Rio Grande do Sul. Crops in the Central-West region were the most impacted, with severe damage and a reduction in estimated productivity. In the East, where rainfall was more significant, crops maintain a production potential closer to that initially projected.

The Emater/RS survey indicates that the expected average productivity was 3.179 kg/ha, but this should be reduced. The updated figures will be released on March 11, during the 25th Expodireto. Meanwhile, the harvest progress remains slow, reaching only 3% of the cultivated area, especially in crops that had their cycle shortened due to the drought.

In the producing regions, the presence of thrips remains high, exceeding the threshold of economic damage in the Northwest of the State. On the other hand, phytophagous bugs and defoliating caterpillars remain under control within the parameters of integrated pest management.

To avoid losses due to volatilization and drift, producers have prioritized the nighttime application of fungicides against Asian rust and insecticides, with dosage adjustments according to the phenological phase of the crops.

Corn: stable productivity

The state's corn harvest has already reached 68% of the cultivated area, boosted by favorable weather conditions. Recent rains benefited the second-crop corn crops, ensuring better development. However, the areas planted between November and December had their production potential reduced due to water shortages and high temperatures in January and February.

The average productivity projected by Emater/RS is 7.116 kg/ha. In some regions, such as the Western Frontier, the harvest was completed with productivity ranging from 5.400 to 8.400 kg/ha in dryland areas and exceeding 12.000 kg/ha in irrigated areas.

Regarding phytosanitary control, second-crop corn has a higher incidence of aphids and leafhoppers compared to first-crop corn, requiring continuous monitoring to prevent transmission of the stunt virus.

Rice: heat affects grain quality

Rice crops have seen harvest progress in all producing regions of Rio Grande do Sul. Despite the temporary recovery of water resources, the intense heat impacted grain quality, especially in the west of the state, where the proportion of whole grains fell below the commercial standard of 55%. This phenomenon is attributed to the prolonged exposure of panicles to high solar radiation during physiological maturation.

The initial productivity estimated by Emater/RS is 8.478 kg/ha. In some locations, such as Jaguari, productivity exceeds initial projections, reaching 9.000 kg/ha, while in others, such as Cacequi and Restinga Seca, there was a reduction.

Beans 2nd crop: good conditions

The second-season bean crops are mostly in vegetative development, favored by recent rains. However, there is a forecast of a reduction in the area actually planted due to the difficulties faced by producers in establishing the crop during the dry season.

Phytosanitary monitoring indicates a satisfactory scenario, with occasional occurrences of mites and cowpea. These infestations are being controlled to avoid economic damage. Emater/RS estimates an average productivity of 1.572 kg/ha for this harvest.