Spark launches first research on the use of pesticides in minor crops in Brazil

By Leonardo Gottems, Reporter for AgroPages

Spark Strategic Intelligence just released the first survey carried out in the country on the movement of agrochemicals in “minor crops”. The first crops analyzed were melons and watermelons, which consumed US$24 million in treatment during the 2018/19 harvest, half of which corresponds to insecticides.

The survey, according to Spark's management, opens a series of studies that the company will carry out around so-called crops of lesser economic importance, or minor crops. “There is little data available in relation to these crops that embody good business opportunities,” pointed out André Dias, agronomist, partner and director of the consultancy. "Melons and watermelons, for example, require high intensity in the management of pests and diseases," he said.

Dias also pointed out that the analysis of these two crops becomes part of the annual Business Intelligence Panel study, exclusive to Spark, today considered the most complete survey available in Brazil with an emphasis on the pesticide and seed markets.

According to Spark's survey, the area investigated was 78 thousand hectares in the 2018/19 cycle. The data showed that 62 thousand hectares (79%) was occupied by watermelons and 16 thousand hectares by melons. Spark's customer relations manager, Cristiano Limberger, pointed out that insecticides led the adhesion of producers in view of the need to control pest larvae (Lyriomiza huidobrensis) and whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci), in addition to different species of caterpillars.

In the second position, fungicides reached $11 million in sales, 46% of the total, just below insecticides. Limberger added that the performance of these products was driven mainly by the diseases, powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum), corresponding to $4 million, downy mildew (Pseudoperonospara cubensis), on the order of $3 million, and anthracnose (Colletorichum orbiculare), at some $2 million.

Herbicides, adjuvants and other products accounted for the remaining 4% of the total turnover of $25 million, according to BIP Spark Melão-Melancia.