High Spatial Resolution Fluorescence Imagery for Optimized Pest Management in a Huanglongbing-Infected Citrus Grove
- 1 January 2022
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Scientific Societies in Phytopathology®
- Vol. 112 (1), 173-179
- https://doi.org/10.1094/phyto-05-21-0211-fi
Abstract
Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening disease, has significantly decreased citrus production all over the world. The disease management currently depends on the efficient application and adequate distribution of insecticides to reduce the density of the disease vector, the Asian citrus psyllid. Here, we use a novel fluorescent-based method to evaluate insecticide distribution in an HLB-infected citrus grove in Florida. Specifically, we evaluated six different locations within citrus trees, the top and bottom sides of leaves, the effect of application approach (tractor versus airplane), and different application rates. We found that despite the insecticide distribution being highly variable among the different locations within a tree, the top of the leaves received an average increase of 21 times more than the bottom of the leaves. Application by tractor also resulted in a 4- to 87-fold increase in insecticide coverage compared with aerial application, depending on the location in the tree and side of the leaf. When taken to context with the type of insecticide that is applied (systemic vs. contact), these results can be used to optimize a pest management strategy to effectively target psyllids and other pests while minimizing the time and money spent on insecticide application and reducing risk to the environment.Keywords
Funding Information
- Cutrale Citrus Juices USA, Inc.
This publication has 34 references indexed in Scilit:
- Distribution and effectiveness of pesticide application with a cold fogger on pepper plants cultured in a greenhouseCrop Protection, 2011
- Insecticide resistance in field populations of Asian citrus psyllid in FloridaPest Management Science, 2011
- Current Epidemiological Understanding of Citrus HuanglongbingAnnual Review of Phytopathology, 2010
- Confirmation by fluorescent tracer of coverage of onion leaves for control of onion thrips using selected nozzles, surfactants and spray volumesCrop Protection, 2007
- Citrus Huanglongbing: The Pathogen and Its ImpactPlant Health Progress, 2007
- ASIAN CITRUS PSYLLIDS (STERNORRHYNCHA: PSYLLIDAE) AND GREENING DISEASE OF CITRUS: A LITERATURE REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT OF RISK IN FLORIDAThe Florida Entomologist, 2004
- Mass transfer of pesticides into the atmosphere by volatilization from soils and plants: overviewAgronomy for Sustainable Development, 2002
- The Effect of Spray Application Rate and Airflow Rate on Foliar Deposition in a Hedgerow VineyardJournal of Agricultural Engineering Research, 1995
- Measurement of spray deposition and efficiency of pesticide application in citrus orchardsJournal of Agricultural Engineering Research, 1990
- A field investigation to examine the effects of sprayer type, ground speed, and volume rate on spray deposition in Florida citrusJournal of Agricultural Engineering Research, 1989