Aspectos produtivos, pragas e doenças da cultura do coqueiro no nordeste brasileiro, uma revisão

Abstract

The present work aimed to survey the main pests and diseases, in addition to presenting data on the production and consumer market of the coconut tree. Coconut palm is considered one of the 20 most important species of cultivated plants in the world, being cultivated by more than 90 countries, indisputably is a fruit of great importance, not only for the economic and social aspects given the variability of products that can be obtained from this plant. , but also for the environmental services provided in several fragile ecosystems. The coconut palm was introduced for the first time in Brazil in 1553, in the state of Bahia, coming from the islands of Cape Verde. In general, in northeastern Brazil, the soil and climate conditions are at relatively adequate levels for the development of coconut trees, with the exception of rainfall. The cultivation of green coconut and the expansion of its industrialization contributed to highlight the northeast in the Brazilian agribusiness sector, generating employment and income, and contributing significantly to the development of the producing region. In addition, the cultivation of this palm is capable of generating a self-sustainable system of exploitation, forming foreign exchange for the coastal population of the Brazilian northeast states. Among the world's largest producers, Brazil is among the top 5, and has the highest yield (13,114 kg/ha), which is related to the technology used in the crop. In the northeast region, 80.9% of the country's coconut harvested area and 73.5% of the national production are concentrated. The coconut tree is a rich source of food for several species of pests and diseases, where these organisms lodge and develop in specific regions of the plant (leaves, flowers, fruits, stems or roots) causing damage that varies in intensity according to the population density of the species and natural enemies, as well as the abiotic factors that determine the region. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the pandemic caused by the coronavirus has overturned all predictions about the world economy, affecting the entire market. According to some experts, starting this year, the world economy will return to growth slowly, as the crisis will have long-lasting effects, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable producers. And as seen in the course of the present study, the importance of coconut agribusiness for the Brazilian economy is perceptible, assuming an important position as a generator of employment and income, employing labor throughout the year, especially for the Northeast region, where more than 80% of the country's production is concentrated, with emphasis on Ceará being the state with the largest national production and which also has the largest harvested area in the country.