The capture of greening-spreading psyllids in traps in the Brazilian Citrus Belt states of São Paulo (SP) and Triângulo Sudoeste Mineiro dropped 41% in 2024 compared to 2023. The data is part of a survey carried out biweekly by Fundecitrus and made available on the Psyllid Alert platform.
The average capture recorded in 2023 was 2.23 psyllids per trap, compared to 1.32 in 2024. The 2024 data is also lower than the 1.68 psyllids per trap recorded in 2022.
The region of Casa Branca (SP) stood out with a 76% drop in catches. Next came the region of Frutal (Minas Gerais) with a reduction of 72%, then the SP regions of Bebedouro (68%), Novo Horizonte (64%) and Araraquara (57%). Itapetininga and Brotas are the only regions that saw increased catches, of 19% and 9%, respectively.
According to Ivaldo Sala, Fundecitrus agronomist, the drop in catches reflects good insect management, high temperatures and extended periods without rain in 2024. Those factors impacted the incidence of the insect, its reproduction and dispersal.
“This reduction is very important because it shows, once again, that the management guidelines that have always been recommended by Fundecitrus are effective,” Sala said. “However, we increasingly need to strengthen this work, without allowing errors to occur, especially in areas of expansion in our citrus industry.”
The highest insect capture rate since Psyllid Alert began operating occurred in 2023. The sprouts, the insect’s main source of food, followed an upward trend in 2023 and reached 17.2%. In 2024, this percentage was 4% lower.
“In other words, we had a scenario of sprouting throughout last year with a slight reduction in incidence compared to a year with records of very high rates,” Sala said. “This shows that insect control — with correct spraying frequency, elimination of diseased plants and rotation of modes of action — made all the difference in reducing psyllid captures.”
The new psyllid traps in the expansion area, in the states of Mato Grosso do Sul and Minas Gerais, are in addition to 35,000 traps in the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais and Paraná.
Source: Fundecitrus
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