Transfer of herbicides is recommended for sugarcane fields whose development is hampered by drought

This year's prolonged drought has already resulted in a 6,7% drop in sugarcane crushing in the Brazilian Center-South region since the beginning of the season (in April), according to updated data from the Sugarcane Industry Union -de-Açúcar (Unica) and released in October. However, it is possible to mitigate greater losses in the future with the transfer of herbicides, which prevents losses caused by weeds competing with weeds.

Gustavo Vigna, sugarcane marketing manager at Ourofino Agrociência, recommends adequate herbicide management for the current period, in order not to further delay the closure of the crop, a process that is hampered due to weather conditions.

“With slower development and delayed closure, the chance of a sugarcane field at the beginning of the harvest requiring herbicide transfer will be greater, since the residual product will not be sufficient to control the new flow of weed germination”, he advises. . For producers with areas in this condition, the tip is to choose selective solutions for sugarcane, “this is because the sugarcane field has already suffered water stress; It is essential to avoid sugarcane phytotoxicity.”

The recommended herbicides are based on active ingredients: diuron, tebuthiuron, clomazone CS, atrazine, metribuzin, ametrine and mesotrione. “Ourofino Agrociência has the majority of these assets in its portfolio. In this way, various associations between them are possible and can meet producers' demands with great flexibility. Among the molecules mentioned, clomazone 360 ​​stands out, an ingredient present in the Kaivana 360 CS formulation, a graminicide par excellence with a different formulation”, comments Vigna.

With an encapsulation system, the Kaivana solution was reimagined for the conditions of Brazilian tropical agriculture and provides a significant reduction in the volatilization process, minimizing losses. “Another advantage of this product, developed after four years of research and testing carried out by the company's technical team and market specialists, is that it offers gains in control performance, since the asset is released gradually”, says the manager.

Vigna reports another situation that occurred in Brazilian fields as a result of this year's weather and also the large fires recorded in much of the country. “Several producers chose not to apply herbicide in the dry season, but now, with the humidity, it should be applied as quickly as possible. The correct thing is that they are selective treatments for the crop and with a post-emergence effect for the weed plant”, he adds.

Also according to the sugarcane marketing manager at Ourofino Agrociência, the practice of postponing the application of the herbicide is not the most recommended. “The best time for management is total pre-emergence, that is, before the sugarcane and weed plant germinate.” However, it is always necessary to evaluate the conditions to determine the next control actions, as is the case now, where failure to close the culture and the germination of invasive plants determine a new intervention. As for adjusting the dose, he explains that the factors that must be taken into consideration are the type of soil, climatic condition and the level of infestation.

The lack of rain in previous months also impacts the sugarcane fields harvested in June, July and August, requiring constant monitoring from the farmer. According to Vigna, the situation has challenged farmers for some time. “There have now been two consecutive years of prolonged drought that have impacted this sector, in addition to the occurrence of other factors, such as frosts and fires, which directly interfere with the productivity and management of sugar cane.”

The professional also points out that, at this moment, the producer may be torn between the decision to carry out the indicated cultural treatments or reform the sugarcane field, so, to reach the best conclusion, it is necessary to evaluate the individual conditions of the area, related to the stand. and the vigor of this sprouting. “The lack of seedlings to carry out the necessary renovations also weighs in the balance, since these canes have suffered climate impacts and compromised next year’s planning”, he assesses. 

Plans for the next harvest

For producers concerned about making a plan that can help ensure a more productive sugarcane field in the next cycle, Vigna also has tips. “Good nutritional practices must be adopted, such as application of limestone, gypsum, phosphate, NPK fertilizer and micronutrients. Every plan must include the desiccation of areas and the planting of meiosis,” he says.

Despite the rise in prices and the scarcity of inputs, including fertilizers and even pesticides, “the excellent prices for sugar, ethanol and the energy crisis caused by the drought reinforce the excellent opportunity that can be generated with the correct investments in sugarcane fields”.

The recipe for the best results is carrying out appropriate cultural treatments for weeds, pests and diseases in line with constant monitoring and the use of appropriate products at the right time. “Thus, the investment will certainly bring good results”, says the expert.