The October issue of Citrus Industry magazine features two tools growers can use against Asian citrus psyllids (ACP). There’s still no silver bullet for HLB, the disease ACP carries to citrus trees. However, particle films and individual protective covers (IPCs) are showing positive results in slowing down ACP and HLB disease infection.
University of Florida (UF) citrus physiologist Christopher Vincent summarizes his research comparing red and white kaolin particle films with foliar insecticides. He tells how kaolin reduced ACP populations and delayed HLB infection. As a bonus, kaolin was also found to increase tree growth.
The latest research results on IPCs can be found in the October issue of the magazine. These protective mesh bags are another alternative approach to insecticide use. In the first 18 months of a University of Florida trial, no psyllids were detected in trees under IPCs, and no HLB symptoms were seen.
Citrus growers producing fruit for the fresh market will find “Putting fresh fruit to the test” a useful article for determining what new varieties offer the best quality and shelf life. UF research results are shared for 10 mandarin selections and four orange varieties.
Also in this issue, grower Ned Hancock discusses the value of education and a new scholarship for the citrus industry.
Find all these articles and more, coming soon in the October issue of Citrus Industry.
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