EN 
PT_BR 
Excess moisture in the soil has delayed planting and affected the harvest of cassava in different regions of Rio Grande do Sul. According to data released by Emater/RS-Ascar this Thursday (20), the difficulty of preparing the soil, root rot in poorly drained areas and the advance of rains are conditioning the pace of activities, while commercialization continues in some locations.
In the Emater/RS-Ascar administrative region of Santa Rosa, crop planting is delayed due to difficulties in soil preparation caused by moisture conditions. The harvest is in its final stages, with production slightly lower than in previous years. According to data released by Emater/RS-Ascar, the high soil moisture has caused root rot in denser areas with poor drainage. In these areas, producers have accelerated the harvest and are storing part of the production in cold storage on their properties.
The production is mainly for self-consumption, but some producers also sell cassava to third parties. Part of the roots is used to feed animals raised for consumption on the properties. Peeled and frozen cassava is sold for between R$ 7.00 and R$ 10.00 per kilo.
In the administrative region of Soledade, in the Lower Vale do Rio Pardo, cassava planting has already begun. However, the rainy weather has delayed operations, which are expected to intensify in September.
According to data released by Emater/RS-Ascar, this year there is an abundance of cassava cuttings, a result of the low incidence of frost. As a result, the propagation material has maintained good viability for planting. Harvesting also continues in the region, while sales are intense to local markets and to Ceasa (the central wholesale market).
In the Lajeado administrative region, the scenario is similar. In São José do Hortêncio, the harvest reached 80% of the total cultivated area. The high volume of rainfall recorded in the last 30 days has delayed both soil preparation and planting of the new crop, according to data released by Emater/RS-Ascar. In most areas of the municipality, the Vassourinha variety is the main choice of producers due to its good acceptance by the consumer market.
At Ceasa/POA, the average price of cassava is R$35.00 per 18-kilogram box. Despite the humid conditions, no significant losses were recorded in the region last month.
São José do Hortêncio also has a Technological Reference Unit dedicated to cassava cultivation. According to data released by Emater/RS-Ascar, the unit brings together 17 varieties intended for one- and two-year cycles. The work aims to evaluate materials intended for both animal feed and human consumption. The scenario observed in the State shows that excessive rainfall is one of the main factors conditioning the cassava planting calendar at this time. While the humidity makes soil preparation and planting difficult, denser and less drained areas face a greater risk of root rot.
