Bayer presents new solution for eucalyptus insect in Brazil

From September to February is the period for the highest production of eucalyptus seedlings in Brazil, but the lack of rain provokes higher incidence of the Blue Gum Chalcid (Leptocybe invasa), an exotic plague originated in Australia. In order to support the eucalyptus producers in the management of their plants, Bayer CropScience launched the product Evidence 700 WG.

According to João Galon, key account manager of the Environmental Health Unit at Bayer CropScience, the solution should be used in a forest nursery. Besides the chemical treatment, the main actions are the monitoring and prevention, done with adhesive trap.

The insect attacks the leaves and deposits eggs, which determines the formation of falls (tumors) at the central ribs, stems and thin branches. These damages can compromise the damages of seedlings and trees, as well as the productivity of susceptible clones – less resistant eucalyptus to this plague or more attractive to it.

According to the Institute of Forest Research and Study, the Blue Gum Chalcid is a tiny species of glossy dark brown color and in length of 1.2mm. Galon explains that the insect attacks the eucalyptus plants from the seedling nursery to the adult forest.

"When present at the nursery, the damage can get to 100% of the seedling, which require the disposal and the incineration of the material. If there is no chemical treatment and other management, the contaminated seedlings can spread to other regions,” he says. Besides, the experts clarifies that in the field, the damages is also visual, as the formation of tumors causes deformation at the stem leaves and defoliation at the thin branches and “dieback”.

Currently, the plague is found in commercial fields in the Brazilian states of Bahia, Espírito Santo, Maranhão, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Paraná, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Sul, São Paulo and Tocantins; with the highest occurrences in the states of Maranhão, Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Tocantins.