AMAPÁ, BRAZIL — Researchers at the Institute of Scientific and Technological Research of Amapá (Iepa) are developing a strategy to make cassava more resistant to witches' broom, a fungal disease that has already been recorded in 15 of the state's 16 municipalities.

The study, conducted by researcher Marcelo Carim over 15 months on a rural property in Itaubal, has shown promising results. Plants grown about 300 meters from contaminated areas grew without showing visible symptoms of the disease.

The research seeks to induce plant resistance through soil and microbiota management and the use of biological compounds. According to Carim, a well-nourished plant can develop better conditions to fight the disease.

The tests are being conducted mainly with the jurará variety, chosen by farmer Douglas Dutra for its productivity and ease of processing. In May, he harvested about 25 metric tons of cassava but reported difficulties in marketing the production.

The research is now entering a new phase, with tests of biological packages designed to increase productivity and strengthen plant resistance. Cassava witches' broom was first identified in Brazil in August 2024, in crops and Indigenous lands in the Oiapoque region of Amapá. The disease reduces productivity and can compromise the quality of cassava.

Amazon Agency