Sizing Up Psyllid Control: 2012 Florida Citrus Show Extended Content Coverage

Posted by Christina Herrick|July 1, 2012

While there may be several trains of thought when it comes to HLB management methods among the state’s citrus groves, all growers and industry supporters are in agreement that psyllid control is a vital piece to the overall puzzle. During the 2012 Florida Citrus Show, Dr. Phil Stansly, a UF/IFAS entomology professor based in Immokalee, led a discussion on effective psyllid control analyzing the effectiveness of insecticides, young tree care, and citrus health management areas (CHMAs).

Knowing when to spray, how to spray, and what to spray are the key considerations in insecticidal control. According to Stansly, spray programs need to satisfy many criteria including: effectiveness (how a particular chemistry works on adults vs. nymphs), economy, rotation, secondary pests (leafminers, mites, scales), and the conservation of beneficials (broad spectrum vs. selective).

In addition to what was found in insecticide efficacy trials, research revealed that soil drenches offered good protection for young trees. Also, UV-reflective mulches provided an extra level of protection against psyllids. While the mulch system requires more maintenance (drip irrigation) in order to be functional, Stansly says the extra effort is worth it as other benefits, such as weed control and enhanced growth, can be achieved.

Another important part of the equation is coordinated sprays. For the last couple of years, areawide sprays have been encouraged and employed in the battle against psyllids. In that time, scientists and growers alike have seen what strategies work and others that do not. Stansly pointed attendees to visit imok.ufl.edu/entomology to check out effectiveness ratings, example programs, and interactive Gulf CHMA monitoring summaries. “HLB is providing the need and opportunity to cooperate at different levels and upgrade citrus production technology,” he concluded.