Brazil expands sanitary break for soybeans

Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply has expanded the duration and coverage of the sanitary break for soybeans in 2022 countrywide.

The term refers to the period in which no soybeans can be planted or kept alive in any of its phases of development in a given area. The technique—currently adopted by 14 states and lasting for 60 days—is to be implemented across 21 of the 27 Brazilian states during 90 days, increasing its effects.

The technique aims to help control a disease called Asian soybean rust, caused by fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi. This is “one of the most severe illnesses assailing soybean crops, and may take place during any phenological stage [the developmental state of a plant],” a note issued by the ministry reads.

In the regions where the fungus was reported at epidemic levels, damages affect ten to 90 percent of the output.

Brazil’s number one export, soybeans were reported to yield a total of 134 million tons in 2021.