Continuing Brazilian research into the application of neonicotinoids via drench for control of HLB-spreading psyllids shows higher efficacy than earlier results indicated.
In September, Fundecitrus released preliminary results on the application of neonicotinoids via drench. At that time, tests carried out on a property in Casa Branca, São Paulo, showed that the efficiency of the molecules for this type of application was low (mortality of adult psyllids less than 40%).
In an article that discussed the preliminary neonicotinoid research, Miranda said neonicotinoids were no longer showing good results in foliar application in some regions, and that via drench the psyllid mortality rate was also not satisfactory on the evaluated property.
Since then, the research has advanced, and new evaluations were conducted. Another test was carried out in Casa Branca and psyllid mortality remained low, around 40%.
However, another collection point took place in the region of Tabatinga, São Paulo, where the neonicotinoid effectiveness was around 60%. And in the São Paulo regions of Guaimbê and Santa Cruz do Rio Pardo, the effectiveness was good, with mortality above 80%.
Fundecitrus researcher Marcelo Miranda explained that the results represent the reality only of the places where the research was carried out, and not of the entire region. “It is important to comment that the experiments were carried out with a psyllid population from each municipality mentioned. Therefore, this efficiency cannot be generalized to the entire region,” Miranda said. “The maintenance or re-establishment of the high efficiency of neonicotinoids will depend on the correct rotation within the property and on neighboring properties.”
Fundecitrus will continue to carry out research on the application of neonicotinoids via drench.
Learn more here about the seriousness of HLB and steps being taken to combat the citrus disease in Brazil.
Source: Fundecitrus