Condições e consequências do manejo de agrotóxicos na cultura do caqui em propriedades rurais do município de Caxias do Sul/RS

Abstract

In Brazil, persimmon (Diospyros kaki) has gained prominence due to the extension of planted areas and increased production. The persimmon tree is a perennial crop that does not demand extreme care about the incidence of diseases. However, the search for increased productivity and the consumer market demand has also increased the use of pesticides in the crop. Pesticides, when used safely and following agronomic guidelines, are important agents in fighting pests. However, its improper use results in harmful effects on occupational health and the environment. Studies reveal that in the persimmon crop, one of the biggest problems about using pesticides is the lack of products registered for the crop, leading rural producers to use products recommended for other cultivars. In this context, this work aimed to analyze the conditions of pesticide management among persimmon producers, involving the stages of storage, preparation of the syrup, application, washing, and disposal of packaging, and the types of pesticides the dosages used by producers in the city of Caxias do Sul - RS. This research is of a quantitative, descriptive, and field nature, using a structured interview script. The results showed that the majority of the interviewees do not follow the rules correctly and legislation related to the handling of pesticides, especially to the products and dosages used; in this way, the farmer, workers who handle, their family members, people residing in the around the place of cultivation, the population that consumes the fruit, as well as the environment, are susceptible to the consequences brought about by the misuse of pesticides. [resumo fornecido pelo autor]