Manejo integrado do gorgulho-aquático na cultura do arroz - Dia de Campo na TV

Summary

This video focuses on the aquatic weevil, a significant pest that affects rice cultivation in Brazil, particularly in Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina. The pest damages rice roots, causing substantial yield losses. While adult weevils are not the primary concern, their larvae—referred to as 'root maggots'—are the main threat. Integrated pest management strategies, such as the use of resistant rice cultivars and reduced pesticide application, are being explored. Research has shown that these strategies can lower environmental impact and production costs, ultimately contributing to more sustainable rice farming practices.

Takeaways

• 😀 The aquatic weevil (gorgulho aquático) is a major pest in rice farming, especially in flooded rice fields, causing significant damage to the root systems of plants.
• 😀 The weevil was first identified in Rio Pardo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in the 1930s, but its larvae, known as 'bicheira da raiz' (root maggots), are the primary concern for farmers, not the adult insect.
• 😀 The adult weevil lays eggs in submerged rice plant parts, and the larvae feed on the root systems for 35-40 days, causing lasting damage to the plants.
• 😀 After transforming into pupae, the adult weevil emerges and hibernates in nearby grasslands, contributing to the infestation in the next rice crop cycle.
• 😀 The aquatic weevil can reduce rice productivity in Brazil by 10-18%, especially in Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, due to its impact on the root systems.
• 😀 Effective pest management techniques can mitigate the damage caused by the weevil, such as adjusting irrigation practices, fertilization, and the timing of chemical control decisions.
• 😀 Using insecticides is the most common method for controlling the weevil, but integrated pest management (IPM) strategies help reduce the reliance on chemicals and limit environmental impacts.
• 😀 Increasing resistance in rice cultivars, such as BRS Atalanta, which has shown resistance to root maggots, is another promising strategy for controlling the pest.
• 😀 Research in genetic improvement of rice aims to develop varieties that require less chemical control and have better resistance to pests like the aquatic weevil.
• 😀 Irrigation practices, including intermittent flooding and delaying the formation of standing water, help reduce the severity of infestations in certain areas, especially in the Fronteira Oeste of Rio Grande do Sul.
• 😀 Sustainable farming practices, such as reducing pesticide use, have led to cost reductions and decreased environmental impact, benefiting both farmers and the environment.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the TV program in the transcript?

The main topic of the program is the research and advancements in agriculture, specifically focusing on the rice pest known as the aquatic weevil and the ways it affects rice crops in Brazil.

When was the aquatic weevil first identified in Brazil?

The aquatic weevil was first identified in the municipality of Rio Pardo, Rio Grande do Sul, in the 1930s.

Why is the aquatic weevil considered a major concern for rice farmers?

The aquatic weevil is a major concern because its larvae, known as 'root maggots,' damage the root system of rice plants, leading to significant crop losses.

What role does the adult aquatic weevil play in the infestation of rice crops?

While the adult aquatic weevil can destroy rice seedlings, it is the larvae that are the primary concern as they cause the most damage to the crop by affecting the root system.

What is the process of the aquatic weevil's life cycle?

The adult female lays eggs in submerged leaf sheaths of the rice plants. The larvae hatch and attach to the roots, growing for 35-40 days. They then form a cocoon made of mud and become pupae. After about 10 days, the new adults emerge and hibernate in grassy areas near the rice fields, re-infesting the crops in the next season.

What percentage of rice yield can the aquatic weevil reduce in Brazil?

The aquatic weevil can reduce rice productivity in Brazil by 10 to 18%, particularly in the states of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina.

What integrated techniques are suggested to manage the aquatic weevil infestation?

Integrated techniques include adjusting the irrigation system, managing nitrogen fertilization, selecting resistant rice cultivars, and using targeted chemical controls when necessary to reduce the impact of the aquatic weevil.

What is the role of insecticides in controlling the aquatic weevil?

Insecticides are the most commonly used method for controlling the aquatic weevil, but their use should be carefully managed to minimize environmental impact. Integrated pest management (IPM) aims to reduce the reliance on insecticides.

What are the benefits of using rice cultivars with resistance to the aquatic weevil?

Using rice cultivars with genetic resistance to the aquatic weevil helps reduce the need for chemical control and can lower production costs while maintaining crop yield and quality.

How has research on rice cultivars with resistance to the aquatic weevil advanced?

Research has led to the development of cultivars, such as the BRS Atalanta, that exhibit resistance to the root maggot damage. These cultivars help maintain rice productivity without excessive pesticide use.

What alternative practices have farmers used to manage the aquatic weevil infestation more effectively?

Farmers have adopted practices like reducing irrigation water levels, using intermittent irrigation, and adjusting the timing of water application, which can help control the spread of the aquatic weevil larvae and reduce infestation.