Soybean area for marketing year 2012/13 is adjusted to 19.8 million hectares, 100,000 hectares above the USDA official estimates, due to additional area previously dedicated to sunflowerseed to be planted with soybeans. Planting continues to be delayed due to excessive moisture this season.
Soybean area is raised by 100,000 hectares to 19.8 million hectares, due to the reduction in area for sunflowerseed that will now be dedicated to soybeans. It is possible that area could increase up to 20 million hectares or drop anywhere between five and 10 per cent over the next couple of months depending on final planted area and effects of diseases.
This year Argentine cropland is experiencing differing conditions. In the north, there is drought, in central west Buenos Aires province (less than 10 per cent of total soybean area) there is flooding, and in other areas conditions are good. Sources are reporting frogeye leaf spot (Cercospora sojina) on soybean plants in many areas. This fungal disease was prevalent in MY2009/10 and develops due to excessive moisture and humidity. If left untreated, this can reduce yields by up to 1.5 kilos/ton and can affect seed quality.
There are also reports of invasive weeds, such as Argentine Fleabane (Conyza bonariensis) in some areas. This year, producers are spraying more fungicides, herbicides and insecticides. The development and control of these diseases will be under close watch throughout the year.
It is still too early to tell how yields will be affected in the different parts of the country. It is important to remember that last year, because of the extreme heat and lack of moisture, planting was delayed through the first part of January. The month of December will help define what will happen throughout the rest of the growing season.
Peanuts:
Peanut area is estimated at 325,000 hectares, 25,000 ha lower than the USDA official estimate. Based on the Ministry of Agriculture’s 29 November weekly report, peanut planting is nearly two thirds complete. Peanuts are in good condition in most areas. Total production is estimated at 1.2 million metric tons based on average yields.
