Soybean sanitary break continues until September 30th in Tocantins

The Government of Tocantins, through the Agricultural Defense Agency (Adapec), informs that the soybean sanitary vacuum period began on Tuesday (1st), which extends until September 30th, where the planting and maintenance of live soybean plants in dryland crops in the state are prohibited.

According to Cleovan Barbosa, technical manager of the State Program for Asian Rust, the sanitary break is a fundamental measure for the prevention and control of Asian rust, the main pest that attacks soybean crops. “During the sanitary break period, Adapec continues to monitor and inspect areas where soybeans have been planted, in order to prevent the presence of live plants in the field,” emphasizes Cleovan Barbosa.

Photo: Camila Roberta Javorski Ueno

It is worth highlighting that the responsibility for eliminating all living soybean plants, whether voluntary or not, lies exclusively with the producers or occupants of the area and, if there are living plants in the field, they are obliged to eliminate them by chemical or mechanical means, and failure to eliminate them will be subject to sanctions provided for by law.

Exceptionality

During the prohibitive period of the sanitary vacuum, exceptional soybean crops for research purposes in highlands and soybean seed production, seeds for own use and research/teaching in the Tropical Plains under a subirrigation system are authorized in Tocantins.

Data

In this 2024/2025 harvest, the area planted with dryland soybeans registered with the Agency was 1.415 million hectares, totaling 2,705 properties with oilseed cultivation in Tocantins.

Asian Rust

Asian soybean rust is the main pest that affects the oilseed, caused by the fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi. It spreads rapidly among plantations by the wind. The greatest damage caused is the reduction in productivity, as it causes premature defoliation in the plants, preventing the soybeans from forming completely.