The chicharrita crisis, caused by the spread of the Spiroplasma vector insect, has severely impacted key crops in Argentina, such as corn.
This pest has not only resulted in significant economic losses but has also highlighted the need to reevaluate agricultural practices, particularly in terms of pest prevention and management. In this context, the rapid response from producers and collaborative efforts with agronomists have been crucial in mitigating the impact. At Simpleza, we want to share some of the most important lessons this crisis has taught the agricultural sector.
This situation has underscored the importance of staying vigilant in biological matters and has emphasized the fundamental role of agronomy in daily crop management. In recent years, many producers had focused their efforts more on finances than on production itself. However, the emergence of this pest has compelled a return of attention to the field, reminding us that there are always challenges to face and lessons to learn. There is also a growing interest in the role of the producer-entrepreneur, leading to a renewed focus on agronomy.
It is essential to revisit manuals and rely on agronomic engineering, especially for vital crops like corn, which is key in any rotation scheme and acts as the best companion for other crops, improving soybean yields in regions such as NOA, NEA, San Luis, Córdoba, and La Pampa.
The vector transmitting Spiroplasma has revealed the production methods in Argentina. Sometimes, Argentine know-how is found in other countries, highlighting the need to strengthen our local practices. The swift collective action taken during this crisis has allowed producers to decide against planting late corn in certain northern areas, based on information provided by agronomists and an active monitoring network.
Moreover, this crisis has fostered collaboration between producers and the agronomic community, aimed at better addressing the sector’s challenges. Considering the agronomic practices applied in Brazil, we believe it is essential to avoid “green bridges,” keep fields clean, and critically analyze rotations.
The experience gained during this crisis should guide us towards a more integrated and sustainable approach in agricultural production, ensuring a more resilient future for all.
