Lack of rain worries citrus producers

The Conjunctural Report released this Thursday (11) by Emater/RS-Ascar details the progress of the citrus harvest in different regions of the State. In the administrative area of Caxias do Sul, treatments for rust mite, leaf-mining larva, and fruit fly continue. According to the document, "the orchards present good health," but the high temperatures and dry weather already indicate "signs of water deficit" in the plants. Producers with irrigation systems use the resource to reduce water stress. The harvest of Valencia and Umbigo (Monte Parnaso) oranges is underway, while the harvest of Ponkan Montenegrina and Murcott bergamot has ended. In Guaporé, the price of Valencia varies between R$ 0.80 and R$ 1.00 per kilo, with a value of R$ 0.50 for the product intended for juice. The Monte Parnaso ranges between R$ 1.00 and R$ 1.10 per kilo. In Cotiporã, the kilo for in natura consumption remains at R$ 1.50, and in Veranópolis, Valencia is sold at R$ 1.30 for table use and R$ 0.90 for ...