EN 
PT_BR The 2nd Brazilian Seminar on Corn Stunting and Viral Diseases is one of the highlights of the program of the 35th National Corn and Sorghum Congress (CNMS), which takes place in Chapecó, between August 31st and September 3rd. The Seminar, which occurs on September 3rd, is consolidated as a strategic space to discuss and update knowledge about the main sanitary challenge of corn cultivation in Brazil: the complex of corn stunting and viral diseases.
Maria Cristina Canale, a researcher at Epagri, coordinates the Santa Catarina Corn Monitoring program.
Maria Cristina Canale, a researcher at Epagri and one of the coordinators of the Seminar, explains that stunting and viral diseases, mainly transmitted by the corn leafhopper, have become the main phytosanitary challenge for the crop in Brazil. According to her, the complex of stunting diseases can cause severe production losses. "We need an exclusive space to bring together the most advanced science and management practices to face this crisis that affects the profitability of the producer," she justifies.
The event is aimed at researchers, technical consultants, agricultural engineers, rural producers, extension agents, and students seeking high-level technical updates. Those interested should... register on the Congress website, with first-batch prices valid until June 30th.
Food security and economic stability
By creating a seminar specifically to discuss corn stunt diseases and viruses, Congress demonstrates its concern for food security and the economic stability of the general population. “By discussing effective control solutions, we help producers harvest more and better crops, which guarantees the supply of animal protein – since corn is the basis of animal feed – and keeps prices more stable for the end consumer, in addition to promoting more sustainable agriculture with the correct use of technologies,” emphasizes Maria Cristina.
The Epagri researcher speaks about the topic with firsthand knowledge. She coordinates the Monitora Milho SC program, created in 2021 by the Action Committee Against the Corn Leafhopper and Stunting Complex, which brings together Epagri, Udesc, Cidasc, Ocesc, Fetaesc, Faesc, CropLife Brasil and the State Secretariat of Agriculture and Livestock. This committee implemented the Program with the objective of monitoring the populations and infection of the corn leafhopper in the State, through monitoring points installed in Santa Catarina's crops.
THE schedule The 2nd Brazilian Seminar on Diseases and Viruses already has important confirmed speakers: Maíra Rodrigues Duffeck, assistant professor at Oklahoma State University (USA); Eduardo Gabriel Virla, researcher at CONICET (Argentina); Fábio Nascimento da Silva, professor at Udesc; Emerson Medeiros Del Ponte, professor at the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV); Júlio César Bogiani, researcher at Embrapa Territorial; Celso Omoto, full professor at Esalq/USP; Diogo Manzano Galdeano, professor at the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV).
