The leafhopper continues to devastate corn. The Buenos Aires Grain Exchange once again reduced the grain harvest to 52 million tons, 4.5 million tons less than estimated in February, meaning losses of almost $900 million.
The leafhopper is an insect that persistently and propagatively transmits the Spiroplasma kunkelii bacterium, the cause of a disease that has shown a recurrent incidence in the north of the country; In recent weeks, however, the situation has begun to become more complex throughout the agricultural area.
This parasite causes serious yield losses, generating serious economic and productive consequences. Its presence manifests itself in the rapid degradation of crops, with a marked decrease in their growth and yield.
According to data from the Buenos Aires Grain Exchange, the corn harvest intended for commercial cereals reaches 11.1% of the 7.2 million hectares cultivated nationally. The average weekly yield in the central zone was 10,400 kilos, reflecting excellent results for the first season.
In any case, the constant report of growth of the leafhopper population, together with the appearance of symptoms characteristic of the infection associated with this parasite, extends to the latitudes close to the department of General Roca (Córdoba) and adds to the regions already affected. mentioned in previous reports.
It should be remembered that the south and north-central of Cordoba provide 28% of the total maize and that the percentage of late sowing in that region is 92%. Similarly, in the south of the province of Santiago del Estero, expected yields decrease significantly due to the impact of the disease, but towards the north the reported losses are mainly due to the lack of moisture in the profiles. Meanwhile, in northeast Buenos Aires and San Luis, although the disease has been present, the incidence so far is lower.
In this context, The calculation of corn production is 52 million tons, 4.5 million less than the forecast for the month of February, although the institution does not rule out “new adjustments” given that the real impact of the damage is still being assessed. “Already 15 days ago he had reduced the estimate to 54 million tonnes.
According to the analyst’s calculations Gustavo López, president of Agritrend, this lower production will reduce the entry of dollars into the country. Having a FOB value of US% 180-US$190, approximately $850 million would stop earning. And the State, with withholdings (12%), loses more than 100 million dollars.
Corn is one of Argentina’s main exports. According to Indec data, in 2023 corn led the export ranking by volume, with 23.9 million tonnes. And it came in second place in terms of revenue, with $6.2 billion.
Source: Clarin
