Olive production advances, but weather limits harvest

The Conjunctural Report released by Emater/RS-Ascar on Thursday (6) indicates that the olive groves in the administrative region of Bagé — which includes Bagé, Hulha Negra, Candiota, and Aceguá — are advancing to the final phase of pollination, with fruit set underway. Technicians report that "the low rainfall accumulated during the month of October" resulted in water stress, affecting plant development and causing "fruit abortion." According to the bulletin, constant winds and the lack of adequate management by some producers contributed to episodes of drift of hormonal herbicides. There is a record that "samples of plant tissue were sent to the laboratory to verify contamination." Emater/RS-Ascar also identified cases of anthracnose in more susceptible varieties, which led to the adoption of protocols for the application of pesticides to prevent the spread of diseases. The ryegrass cycle established in the rows of the groves has come to an end, allowing for natural reseeding. ...