Bayer CropScience program reduces 29% of citrus greening in Brazil

Bayer CropScience recently unveiled in Brazil new data about the results of the "Rational Program of Greening Control". With the annual number of insecticides applications 40% smaller, farmers participated in a study that reduced 29% the number of trees symptoms of HLB (huanglongbing), if compared to the program insecticides normally used by the producer.

The data, referred to results of four years of study, were introduced at the lecture "Efficiency in the use of agrochemicals on HLB control in the state of São Paulo,Brazil", by the manager of Citrus Customers at Bayer CropScience, Ricardo Baldassari. The conference was part of the 40th Expocitros and the 36th Week of Citrus, which took place in the city of Cordeirópolis, state of São Paulo, from June 2nd to June 5.

According to Baldassari, the results of the quadrennium are encouraging because the rational strategy of agrochemicals application means less costs with fuel (R$ 8/ha), reduction of CO2 emissions,(0,02 ton/ha), and a significant economy of water (2k liters/ha).

"It is important to highlight that yet if all the citrus growers adopt a program such as the one that we developed, nearly R$ 3.4 million could be saved in plants and economize approximately R$ 155.5 million, considering the cost of R$ 46.28 per plant (according to parameters of the Yearbook of Brazilian Agriculture) for a production of up to three years", says the expert.

The National Program of Greening Control is a partnership of Bayer CropScience with important citrus customers in the state of São Paulo, and brought a proposal of disease management through a rational program that controls the insect of the greening vector by the usage of systemic insecticides (Winner®) and foliar insecticides (Turbo® Foliar and Provado® Foliar) used in moments determined by monitoring.

Bayer CropScience used the event to introduce its portfolio of integrated solutions to control pests and diseases that attack citrus. "We also have the opportunity of knowing and understanding the real necessities of our customers and seek innovative solutions to contribute with more success of the farm business. The presentation of the program's results reinforces, even more, the importance of the event for Bayer", explained the manager.