Santa Catarina maintains 93% of its corn crops in good condition at the start of the harvest.

The progress of corn planting in Santa Catarina, which has already reached 92% of the area planned for the 2025/2026 summer crop, confirms a predominantly positive start to the cycle in the state, but accompanied by occasional warning signs. According to the Agricultural Bulletin According to Epagri/Cepa, 93% of the crops are classified as good, a robust indicator for the period, however, the evolution of development presents important nuances between the producing microregions.

Photo: Disclosure/OPR Archive

In general, plant establishment occurred as expected, with good soil moisture and favorable weather in the main production areas. Even so, rainfall distribution resulted in distinct patterns across regions, influencing plant stands, plant health, and the progress of crop management practices.

In the Alto Vale do Itajaí region, where 90% of the crops are in good condition, vegetative development is satisfactory, with adequate moisture and only isolated outbreaks of stink bugs and leafhoppers. A similar situation is observed in Campos de Lages, Planalto Norte, and Concórdia, all with 10% of the crops assessed as good, showing regular germination, healthy plants, and low pest pressure. In Concórdia, the first areas have already entered flowering.

Other regions show different rhythms. In Joaçaba, for example, planting was delayed in some areas due to excessive rain, and technicians recorded occurrences of stink bugs, caterpillars, and thrips. Meanwhile, on the North Coast, despite good conditions, excessive rainfall caused germination failures, especially in crops between the V3 and V8 stages.

In the West, regions important for Santa Catarina's corn production also show varied realities. Chapecó/Xanxerê registers 90% of

Photo: Gessí Ceccon

Crops are in good condition, with plants at the V6 stage and growth favored by solar radiation. In São Miguel do Oeste, planting is already complete, with flowering beginning and control of leafhoppers and weeds underway; 94% of the crops are classified as good.

The far south of the state, in turn, has been impacted by intense rainfall. Although 98% of the areas are in good condition, agronomists warn of the accumulated effects of high humidity in the later stages of development. In Curitibanos, the rainy week also imposed adjustments to the schedule of crop management practices, although the crops are assessed as good to excellent.

In the state context, the corn leafhopper remains under surveillance, although its incidence has been low so far. Maintaining sanitary conditions will depend on continuous monitoring and disciplined phytosanitary management, especially in areas with a history of stunting and higher insect pressure.

Epagri/Cepa emphasizes that, despite the points of concern, the crop's productive potential is positive. The coming days, marked by rainfall patterns and the maintenance of suitable temperatures, will be decisive in consolidating this scenario. If current conditions persist, Santa Catarina is likely to begin the harvest with a high level of agronomic and productive performance.