Wheat harvest in RS approaches its end

The dry weather of the last few days has led to advances in the harvest of wheat, which is close to completion, with 98% of the cultivated area in Rio Grande do Sul already harvested. According to Emater/RS, there are areas remaining to be harvested in the South and Northeast of the state due to the practice of later sowing in these regions. In the West and Northwest, the operation was completed. The quality of the grains remains below the ideal standard, especially in crops established during the second half of the sowing period, indicated in the agricultural zoning.

The wheat cultivated area totaled 1.516.236 hectares. The estimated productivity currently indicates a yield of 2.164 kg/ha, representing a reduction of 28,38% in relation to the initial projection. In other winter grains, such as white oats, barley and canola, harvests have ended and crops are in the off-season.

Of the summer crops, soybean planting has been intensified, favored by the decrease in rainfall and the increase in the number of sunny days. The sown area reaches 50%. However, the lag persists compared to the previous harvest, which, at the same time, had already implemented 70% of the projected area. There is concern on the part of producers regarding the delay, which could negatively impact productivity, in addition to making it impossible to implement staggered planting, which would facilitate subsequent cultural management.

Regarding the phytosanitary aspect of areas sown with soybeans, in some regions symptoms of soil diseases were observed, such as "damping off" (toppling and death of seedlings due to rot), in part of the crops sown in the previous period, demanding the need for replanting.

The increase in hours of sunlight was highly beneficial for crops. corn at all stages of development. In general, there was an improvement in the visual appearance of the crops and in the color of the plants, indicating a reduction in stress caused by excess humidity in areas with flat relief. Corn sowing continues, but the sown area, currently 85% of the area planned for this harvest, has evolved little due to the prioritization of the operation in soybean cultivation.

In phytosanitary terms, there is concern about leafhopper control and the increase in the incidence of bacterioses and corn stunting. In the most affected crops, plants are dying before the grains are completely filled, resulting in losses in productivity. The ears, still green, do not remain upright as usual and gradually curve, interrupting the circulation of sap between the stalks and the grains. The incidence of diseases and pests weakens the stem, leading to the plants falling.