Winter benefited wheat development in RS

The dry and cold weather that prevailed during the Rio Grande do Sul winter brought optimism to wheat farmers. “The expectation is that this will be a high-yield harvest”, says the Research and Development coordinator at Fundação Pró-Sementes, agronomist Kassiana Kehl. She explains that 2019 was a favorable year for the crop in the main wheat-growing regions, especially because there was not much rainfall during the flowering season, preventing the development of ear diseases and contributing to the quality of the grain.

The rains recorded in recent days, however, could compromise the good progress of the harvest. According to Kehl, humidity can lower the pH and interfere with the quality of the flour to be produced from the grains. Cultivars more susceptible to germination on the cob are the most affected. “In Rio Grande do Sul, rainfall normally occurs during flowering (September) or harvest (October - November). Therefore, it is important to choose materials that can withstand conditions of excess humidity” advises the agronomist at Fundação Pró-Sementes. Genetic improvement programs are aware of this reality, seeking to place cultivars adapted to these climatic conditions on the market.

At harvest time, rain delays field work and harms the quality of the grains. During this period, the combination of humidity, strong winds and high temperature can cause plants to lodging, threshing and germination on the cob. “Therefore, the expectation is that firm weather will prevail again, as the wheat harvest has already started in the state and should intensify in the coming weeks. 

In this winter harvest, Fundação Pró-Sementes is conducting a Network Cultivar Trial (ECR) of wheat in 7 locations in Rio Grande do Sul: Cachoeira do Sul, São Gabriel, São Luiz Gonzaga, Santo Augusto, Cruz Alta, Passo Fundo and Vacaria. 35 materials are being evaluated, 21 from an early cycle and 14 from a medium to late cycle. Harvesting for the experiments has already begun, and should last until the end of November or beginning of December, when the latest materials from the Vacaria region are removed from the field.

The ECR has been carried out by Fundação Pró-Sementes since 2008, and has the support of Sistema Farsul and sponsorship from Senar-RS.