Studies help the producer class to mitigate the risks with nematodes

Among the problems that can harm the growth of soybean plants, nematodes are the ones that, if the producer is not careful, can cause great damage. Frequently monitoring the areas is essential. Identifying the species is another necessary action. Quantifying nematodes is also important. With all the diagnosis in hand, it is time to decide which management should be adopted to reduce populations and avoid production losses.

“In addition to management with varietal, chemical and biological resistance, it is important to also adopt soil covers together. All care is required not to spread or prevent spread within the farm, or even from one farm (area) to another. The choice of materials is a fundamental point and the use of efficient techniques for each species is another tool that helps to have greater control of nematodes”, explains Tatiane Zambiasi, Agricultural Engineer, Researcher and Consultant at Agromax. 

Nematodes are often considered hidden enemies of crops, as they are not visible to the naked eye. This requires a lot of attention, caution and caution from the producer and his team. If constant and efficient monitoring is not carried out, areas may experience major losses due to high nematode populations. 

According to Tatiane, the ideal is to map the areas, just as is done with regard to soil fertility. “I believe that we still have a lot to evolve on the genetic side, especially for the lesion nematode (Pratylenchus brachyurus); with cyst nematodes we have a huge challenge in relation to breeds, which change more and more frequently and the producer does not always have this information; for the root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne sp.) we still have few resistant materials. But we have already evolved a lot in chemical and biological products, coverage and integrated management information. Being careful and carrying out constant mapping is a good way to go for those who don't want to suffer losses due to nematodes."

The researcher presented this and other information during Open Sky Soja 2022 held this Wednesday (02) in the municipality of Campo Verde, located in the southeast region of Mato Grosso. According to Tatiane, the rains contributed to the multiplication of nematodes in crops in Mato Grosso, causing more severe problems on some properties. “Cyst and lesion nematodes could be seen very frequently and the spread was very fast and efficient”, highlighted the specialist.

For participants in the event held by Proteplan (agricultural research company) in two other cities in Mato Grosso, having information is very important for making decisions about correct management of restricted production factors. The Technical Consultant, Pedro Scheineider, participated in the edition in Campo Novo do Parecis, north of the state, and acquired information in the areas of herbology, application technology, pests, photosanitary and plant physiology. “For our region, the event brought a lot of innovation and research, which is what every producer needs. We have many questions about problems with anomalies and cyst nematodes. We acquired a lot of information about the subjects and had the opportunity to apply it in the field.”

More information about the research results released at Open Sky Soja 2022 on the website: https://www.proteplan.com.br/.