Evaluating non-insecticidal pest control tools in citrus agroecosystems

Angela Chuang and Lauren M. Diepenbrock, Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Citrus Research and Education Center, Lake Alfred, FL, Megan M. Dewdney and Evan G. Johnson, Plant Pathology, University of Florida, Citrus Research and Education Center, Lake Alfred, FL, Christopher Vincent, Horticultural Sciences, University of Florida, Citrus Research and Education Center, Lake Alfred, FL, Davie M. Kadyampakeni, Soil and Water Sciences, University of Florida, Citrus Research and Education Center, Lake Alfred, FL

Background/Question/Methods
Huanglongbing (HLB) is a non-curable, fatal bacterial disease that has devastated the citrus industry in Florida. Vectored by the invasive Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri, HLB is currently managed with frequent tree applications of insecticides, which has increased economic costs as well as fuelled concerns of growing insecticide resistance. Tools to bar or deter insect pest colonization have since emerged to meet grower interest in non-insecticidal solutions. We evaluated the effect of insect exclusion bags, metallized reflective mulch, and kaolin clay particle film sprays on pest arthropod and pathogen occurence and tree growth in one-year-old citrus trees in central Florida.
Results/Conclusions
Overall, trees covered in insect exclusion bags were associated with fewer citrus leafminer (Phyllocnistis citrella), higher mite infestations, and lower tree disease incidence. Trees sprayed with kaolin clay had the fewest mites, lower tree disease incidence, and the highest tree growth rate. The reflective mulch did not differ from the insecticidal control treatment in any measurements. Overall, our preliminary results show promising benefits of insect exclusion bags and kaolin clay sprays on citrus trees, with the potential for trade-offs in control of specific pest groups.