Fundecitrus researcher Renato Bassanezi recently emphasized the importance of controlling the psyllid that spreads huanglongbing (HLB, also known as citrus greening) in Brazil.
Bassanezi pointed out that with the increase of HLB-spreading psyllids recorded in 2023 and the lack of eradication of diseased trees, controlling the HLB-spreading insect becomes increasingly important.
The researcher said there can be no failures in controlling the psyllid population. “If the orchard has a high incidence of citrus greening, there is a total dependence on insecticides,” Bassanezi said. “If in any way I have a failure in this process of applying the insecticide in terms of quality, spraying, longer intervals than necessary; if it rained and I did not apply it; if I use a dose that does not have adequate control; together with resistance, this is fatal, and we end up seeing an increase in the psyllid population.”
“This year we saw an increase in the citrus greening population in the Citrus Belt,” Bassanezi added. “If psyllid control is not carried out properly this year, we will have an even larger population. We need to control it within the property and talk to the neighbors.”
Bassanezi said the presence of HLB-infected trees in the orchard requires perfect control of the psyllid.
“Having many contaminated plants means that the entire burden of controlling the psyllid falls on the insecticides, which is why it is important that this process is carried out effectively, with adequate rotation of products,” Bassanezi said. “If we leave the insect population high, we will be killing all other strategies for controlling the disease.”
See additional articles about HLB in Brazil, including Fundecitrus Declares ‘Battle Time’ Against Psyllids and Fundecitrus Addresses Issues With Psyllid Insecticides.
Source: Fundecitrus
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