Caused by the fungus Mycosphaerella fijiensis, the black sigatoka affects non-resistant banana varieties and has spread to different states throughout Brazil. To alleviate this problem and enable the production of bananas of species that are susceptible to the disease, Embrapa researchers have developed a technique that allows greater efficiency and less costs for the producer. The technique consists in the application of fungicide in a specific place of the banana, called the armpit of the second leaf. With this it is possible to reduce the number of necessary applications of fungicide, with greater effectiveness in the fight against the disease, and with economic gains for the producer, in addition to fewer impacts on the environment.

For the use of this technique, an equipment adapted from a veterinary syringe, silicone or latex hose and a pipe with one of the curved tips was elaborated. The equipment allows to place drops of fungicide in the armpit of the second leaf. Depending on the commercial product, the recommended dose of fungicide is 1 to 2 ml per plant. The exact dosage is adjusted in the syringe. This avoids the dispersion of the product in the environment and it becomes possible to control the disease with only three applications per production cycle, which would be around ten to 12 months. According to researcher Luadir Gasparotto, to arrive at this technique, numerous tests were performed, both with products and in relation to the application site, and the results verified in commercial plantations are quite positive for the control of black sigatoka.

Another technology that will be shown at AgroBrasília is the equipment developed by Embrapa Western Amazon to defillihar banana trees. The roto-compression desitter can already be found in the Brazilian market, offered by two companies licensed to manufacture and market the product: Marcassio, from Atalanta (SC), and Authomathika, from Sertãozinho (SP). The equipment has numerous advantages over the methods used so far for descreating, such as greater ergonomics for the producer and more efficiency in the process. The roto-compression despndizer also speeds up the farmer's work, allowing the visit of a larger number of banana trees per day.

The roto-compression desitter works only with the operator's strength, and no additional energy such as batteries or electricity is required. With the application of operator strength down, a desidizer spring is compressed, causing the drill to rotate and penetrate the tiller, destroying its apical yolk. Banana produces a large number of tillers (shoots), which results in a high amount of plants in each clum. Competition between them reduces banana production and fruit quality. For the production to be maintained in the ideal way, it is essential to perform the despirption, conducting the clue with a mother, a child and a grandson. Thus, the farmer must select the vigorous tillers and eliminate the others. The desiquanding, although simple, is crucial for the success of planting and increases the shelf life of banana plantations.

According to José Olenilson Costa Pinheiro, Deputy Head of Technology Transfer at Embrapa Western Amazon, the two technologies aim to reduce costs and increase productivity, especially for family farmers. "Both technologies seek greater agronomic, economic and environmental efficiency, resulting in increased household incomes," he said. According to Pinheiro, the technologies were developed in the state of Amazonas, but can be used in other parts of the country.

AgroBrasília – Held since 2008, AgroBrasília is today one of the main agricultural fairs in the Midwest region of the country, providing technologies and businesses to rural entrepreneurs of various sizes and segments. Access to the fair will be free and free, through the website www.digital.agrobrasilia.com.br, with the possibility to follow the entire schedule. This year among the prominent themes are: the economy of agro in the post-pandemic, the use and conservation of water, the potential of viticulture in the Central Plateau and the differential of agribusiness women.

Source: Embrapa