Weather has been favorable to the development of wheat in RS

The week was marked by rain throughout the state of Rio Grande do Sul, with variations in accumulated volumes. The temperature showed thermal amplitude during the day, with mild mornings recorded. In some locations, winds occurred that occasionally impacted bedded crops. In general, the weather has been favorable for the development of wheat, which this year is expected to break a production record in the State, with an estimate updated yesterday (29/09) of 3,59 million tons of cereal, which represents an increase of 70,95% compared to last year (2,1 million tons).

According to the Conjunctural Information produced and released this Thursday (30/09) by the Planning Management of Emater/RS-Ascar, linked to the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development (Seapdr), 49% of the cultivated area is in grain filling phase, 37% in flowering, 9% in maturation and 5% still in germination and vegetative development.

Producers intensify activities to prepare areas for soybean planting in the Emater/RS-Ascar administrative regions of Ijuí and Santa Rosa. In Ijuí, soybean farmers pay attention to invasive species that are difficult to control in post-emergence, which are being monitored and controlled during desiccation with two sequential applications. They begin the treatment and adequate storage of seeds on rural properties. There is no record of sown areas, although the agricultural climate risk zoning – ZARC indicates a favorable sowing period from September 21st for a certain group of cultivars and soil type. In Santa Rosa, after October 10th, planting will be allowed to begin, in accordance with the ZARC for the Northwest Border. Emater/RS-Ascar's technical teams carry out the latest costing projects for forwarding to bank branches. Producers withdraw the inputs for planting that have already been purchased and express concern about the substantial increase in production costs, especially fertilizers, diesel oil, seeds and pesticides, whose increase is close to 60% in relation to the costs of the last harvest.

In the administrative region of Emater/RS-Ascar de Ijuí, there was significant progress in corn sowing, especially in municipalities where rainfall was low. Germination is excellent and initial development is rapid. Crops present an ideal plant stand. Producers continue with crop management, carrying out the first application of nitrogen fertilizer as top dressing on plants at three to four leaf stages (V3 and V4) and controlling invasive species. Monitoring of the corn leafhopper continues, with low capture of insects in traps and insignificant incidence in crops. Producers apply preventive insecticides. In Bagé, they monitor the presence of the leafhopper in crops already established in the Western Border, with the installation of sticky baits for greater control. During the week, few insects were found, but due to the uncertainty of the incidence of the corn stunt virus, some producers carried out control with insecticides. There are already sowings in the Campaign, which will intensify in November, the planting season in which producers traditionally obtain better results.

Vegetable crops

In the Emater/RS-Ascar de Bagé region, the consumption of lettuce produced in São Borja is high. Three producers with hydroponic cultivation supply local supermarkets. Other species of vegetables are produced by family farmers around the city and in nearby locations. These producers offer a high volume of products in general, with a greater quantity of lettuce, kale, arugula and green seasoning. In Bagé, excessive rain in September harmed the development of crops produced in the open air. Horticulture goes through a period of seasonal transition, with seedling transplantation and the implementation of spring crops. Local production is sold at fairs in the central area of ​​the city.

Another week with good soil moisture conditions favored the transplantation of seedlings and sowing in the Santa Rosa region. Soil moisture allowed the planting of cucumbers, strawberries, pumpkin and chayote to be completed. Rain favors crop development. Control of pests and diseases is underway, especially aphids and thrips on vegetables such as cabbage and cauliflower. The production and sale of greenhouse-grown lettuce, green seasoning, arugula, radish, cabbage, cauliflower, beetroot, carrots and watercress are currently taking place.

Fruit crops 

In the Emater/RS-Ascar de Ijuí region, farmers intensified the sowing and transplanting of melon and watermelon crops. In crops already established, the diabrotic attack increased. The vines have well-developed branches and are beginning to flower. Fruit fly attacks on peach have increased. In Santo Augusto, technicians from Emater/RS-Ascar found an increase in the incidence of brown rot. Strawberry crop in full production, with good-sized fruits and sweet flavor.

In Santa Rosa, good soil moisture and spring temperatures contribute to good fruit sprouting in general, flowering and future fruiting. The pruning and winter treatment with syrup work has been completed. Phytosanitary treatments are ongoing on the branches and new leaves to control fungal diseases such as anthracnose, downy mildew and leaf spots. As the temperature rises, citrus trees generally put out new branches and bloom well.