Now is the time of year for gifting fresh citrus to family and friends to enjoy. Unfortunately, people are not the only ones who enjoy eating citrus. Numerous pests can be found feasting on various plant parts in the grove. Keeping pests under control is the theme of the January issue of Citrus Industry magazine.
Of course, the most concerning citrus pest is the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), which spreads huanglongbing (HLB). An article by University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) entomologist Jawwad Qureshi discusses dormant sprays for ACP management. Included are research results on both organic and conventional spray options. He also shares useful information on the ACP life cycle, how to monitor for the pest, and details on its seasonality and spread. A better understanding of how the pest acts can lead to better control.
While ACP and HLB are not yet widespread problems in North Florida’s commercial groves, other pests are problematic. UF/IFAS assistant professor Xavier Martini and Extension agent Danielle Sprague team up to give tips on managing the most common pests of cold-hardy citrus. Their article covers citrus leafminers, rust mites and scales.
UF/IFAS entomologist Lukasz Stelinski takes a closer look at leafminers, a problem throughout Florida citrus, in his article. He offers advice on both traditional insecticidal controls and alternative methods to suppress the pest. Learn more about the attract-and-kill and mating disruption methods.
Fire ants can cause harm to both people and plants. UF/IFAS entomologist Lauren Diepenbrock’s article discusses fire ant damage to citrus trees, interaction with other insects, biology of the pest and which baits work best.
Besides a plethora of pest articles, the January issue also includes an update on the Florida citrus processing industry. Kristen Carlson, executive director of the Florida Citrus Processors Association, provides a state of the industry in a question-and-answer format.
Find all these articles and more in the January issue of Citrus Industry magazine, coming soon.
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