Evaluation of Low Volume Application Technologies for Asian Citrus Psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama) Control: Initial Results

摘要

The occurrence of citrus greening (huanglongbing) disease in Florida mandates the effective control of the insect vector, Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama). Anecdotal evidence suggests that reducing psyllid populations via insecticide application may slow the rate of disease spread. Due to its speed and low cost, growers have experimented with low volume application technology for controlling psyllids. The overall objective of this study was to evaluate ultra low volume (ULV, fogging)applicators for control of D. citri. Efficacy with ULV technologies was equivalent to that with standard airblast applications. The duration of efficacy was much longer if a dormant winter spray was applied rather than a spray after spring flush. Pyrethroid, organophospate and insect growth regulator insecticides were effective against D. citri when applied as ULV sprays. Although fogging applications are effective, several pesticides known to be effective for psyllid control are currently not registered for application with ULV equipment. More research and appropriate regulatory changes to labels will be needed before fogging should be implemented commercially.