Argentina: The low appearance of the leafhopper can boost the planting of corn

After the latest data from the National Monitoring Network of Dalbulus maidis coordinated by Maizar became known, the initial estimates on corn sowing are being modified and there are prospects of an increase in the hectares planted with late varieties. At least that is what they believe in the seed sector, where they are predisposed to this better scenario for corn in Argentina, after the leafhopper and the complex of diseases it carries caused the loss of almost 12 million tons of corn in the 2023/24 campaign. Now, however, monitoring shows that “there is no presence of the pest in some areas and low or scarce in others.” In this context, the agronomist Agustín Sosa, Seed Manager of ACA (Association of Argentine Cooperatives), considered that “the low appearance of the leafhopper can boost corn sowing.” In addition, ACA pointed out that “by locating the critical period of the crop at a time of the year with less atmospheric demand, a very good yield floor is achieved.” Another ...