Brazil: Challenges in watermelon production in Rio Grande do Sul; combating gray mold and pest attacks affect crops

Producers dedicated to watermelon in the Bagé and Alegrete region face significant obstacles in their crops. Recent reports point to the prevalence of gray mold and the incidence of attacks by insect pests, such as kittiwakes and cucurbit moths. According to information in the Economic Information released on Thursday (11/01), these issues are negatively impacting the development of plantations, demanding a careful approach and specific strategies for the effective management of these problems. In São Gabriel, on the other hand, the planting of watermelon crops was completed, marking a crucial stage in the harvest. Meanwhile, in the Porto Alegre region, the extended harvest season faces delays in many crops in the Metropolitan Region. The increase in supply, driven by the arrival of fruit from the Encruzilhada and Campanha regions, had a negative impact on prices for farmers. Prices even registered a sharp drop, reaching R$0.90 per kilo for 13 kg watermelons. These ...