Cassava Pest Alert in Amazonas State

Technical teams from the Agência de Defesa Agropecuária e Florestal do Amazonas (Adaf) are currently visiting rural communities in Presidente Figueiredo to educate farmers about the 'vassoura-de-bruxa' cassava pest. Although the fungus has not yet been recorded in Amazonas, it poses a significant threat to food security as it has already impacted crops in the states of Amapá and Pará.

During community meetings, agronomist Acássio Eugênio advised farmers to monitor their crops and report any suspicious symptoms immediately. Local farmers expressed concern but acknowledged the value of the early warning, emphasizing the need to avoid transporting seedlings from affected regions. The Adaf is initiating monitoring of cassava crops to protect the state's agriculture and ensure the food security of families dependent on this staple crop.

Technical teams from the Agência de Defesa Agropecuária e Florestal do Amazonas (Adaf) are actively visiting rural communities in Presidente Figueiredo. Their mission is to guide farmers regarding a pest known as vassoura-de-bruxa (witch's broom) of cassava. This fungus poses a risk to the food base of many families in the Amazonas state, keeping professionals on high alert.

The fungus is currently present in areas of Amapá and Pará. While it has not yet been registered in Amazonas, the proximity of the outbreak has triggered preventive action. Acássio Eugênio, an agronomist for the Adaf, explained the current strategy: "We have been bringing information to the farmers, raising awareness about the symptoms and asking that, in case of suspicion, they notify the Adaf. We are also going to initiate monitoring in the cassava crops of the state to protect Amazonense cassava cultivation."

Local farmers have reacted to the news with a mix of surprise and caution. Pedro Pereira, a resident of the Rumo Certo community who has cultivated cassava for eight years, admitted he had never heard of the pest before. He now stresses the importance of vigilance. "Preocupa muito, muito mesmo. Pra quem está plantando tem que tomar bastante cuidado, não trazer sementes de outros estados, para prevenir antes que chegue aqui no município," Pereira stated.

During a community discussion circle, other farmers highlighted the importance of the alert. Francisco Ferreira noted, "É preocupante, mas é bom ter aviso para tomar providências e não ser prejudicado mais adiante." Zito Serra emphasized compliance with new guidelines: "Foi passado para nós não pegar produto de outra área ou município." Meanwhile, Luiz Alves expressed his surprise, stating, "Nunca tinha ouvido falar dessa praga na mandioca. É mais uma preocupação, mas agora temos que ficar atentos e comunicar qualquer diferença."

The Adaf has outlined specific symptoms that are reportedly easy to identify. Farmers are being asked to look for the following signs in their crops:

• Deformed shoots that resemble a broom
• Excess of thin and weak branches
• Yellowing leaves that dry out gradually
• Death of the plant from top to bottom, reaching down to the roots

Agronomist Acássio Eugênio has issued a strict warning regarding the transport of materials. He advises farmers not to transport manivas (cassava stem cuttings) from states where the pest has already been registered. The agency confirmed it will continue to follow up on plantations and reiterated that any suspicion must be reported immediately. The ultimate goal is to keep cassava production in Amazonas free from the threat and guarantee the food security of the families who rely on this crop.