EN 
PT_BR 
Strawberry production is progressing in different regions of Rio Grande do Sul, with increased supply in some areas and reduced supply in others due to weather conditions. According to data released by Emater/RS-Ascar in the Conjunctural Report on Thursday (20), fungal diseases, frosts and excess humidity require attention from producers, while prices have fallen in the Caxias do Sul region.
In the administrative region of Emater/RS-Ascar in Caxias do Sul, the plants show a high load of developing fruit, indicating significant harvest potential in the coming weeks.
According to data released by Emater/RS-Ascar, crops planted in the first half of the year show excellent vegetative and productive conditions, contributing to the maintenance of a production volume considered normal for the period. In terms of phytosanitary management, there is still an incidence of powdery mildew and fruit rot, which require continuous monitoring and control. The frost recorded on August 10th affected crops in specific areas, mainly in the more exposed lateral rows.
The supply of establishments such as restaurants occurs mainly with fruits from other states, primarily Minas Gerais. Last week, the prices received by producers in Caxias do Sul decreased. According to data released by Emater/RS-Ascar, the price of a 250-gram tray sold to Ceasas (wholesale markets) fell from R$7.50 to R$6.88. For intermediaries and markets, prices ranged between R$20.00 and R$30.00 per kilo. In direct sales to consumers, prices ranged between R$25.00 and R$50.00/kg. Frozen fruits were sold between R$15.00 and R$20.00/kg.
In the Pelotas administrative region, the weather conditions of the last few weeks have hampered plant development and caused a significant reduction in supply.
According to data released by Emater/RS-Ascar, there is an incidence of fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, anthracnose, and gray mold (Botrytis cinerea), in addition to the presence of mites. This scenario requires intensified control measures in the crops. The strong winds recorded last week also led producers to concentrate efforts on repairing tunnel and greenhouse structures. Prices ranged between R$ 25.00 and R$ 50.00/kg, depending on the quality of the fruit. Frozen produce was sold at R$ 15.00/kg.
In the Santa Rosa region, the crop is in the vegetative and reproductive stages, with inflorescence emission, the beginning of fruiting, and adequate vegetative development. However, frequent rainfall and high relative humidity have created favorable conditions for the incidence and spread of fungal diseases, especially gray mold (Botrytis cinerea).
According to data released by Emater/RS-Ascar, adverse weather conditions have hampered preventive and curative pest management. This increases inoculum pressure and the risk of economic losses for producers.
In the Soledade region, strawberry production is intensifying, although weather conditions remain unfavorable to the crop. In this scenario, the flavor and color of the fruit are relatively compromised. The high relative humidity also favors diseases such as gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) and Mycosphaerella leaf spot (Mycosphaerella fragariae). According to data released by Emater/RS-Ascar, producers are adopting preventative strategies that include the application of sprays and bio-inputs. Practices also involve pruning to improve plant aeration and balanced fertilization, seeking to prevent the entry and spread of diseases in the crops.
