Pest Management Science (2021) 77, 5396-5406
Marcelo Pedreira Miranda, Wellington Ivo Eduardo, Arthur Fernando Tomaseto, Haroldo Xavier Linhares Volpe and Luciano Bachmann (2021)
Frequency of processed kaolin application to prevent Diaphorina citri infestation and dispersal in flushing citrus orchards
Pest Management Science 77 (12), 5396-5406
Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Processed kaolin is a promising tactic that can be utilized for managing Diaphorina citri Kuwayama infestation. However, the frequency of kaolin application to protect citrus trees during flushing remains undetermined. The objective of this study was to ascertain the frequency of kaolin application (2%) required to reduce D. citri infestation and dispersal in flushing citrus orchards and to measure the spectral reflectance of kaolin-sprayed leaves.
RESULTS
Trees sprayed with kaolin at 7- and 14-day intervals showed an 80% psyllid reduction compared to untreated trees. In addition, there was lower psyllid dispersal in the kaolin-sprayed plots. Spectral measurements (wavelengths between 320 and 700 nm) showed an increased reflectance of 35.4% (adaxial leaf side) and 21.9% (abaxial leaf side) in mature leaves, and 9% (adaxial leaf side) and 2.2% (abaxial leaf side) in kaolin-sprayed immature leaves compared to untreated trees.
CONCLUSION
Application of kaolin (2%) at 7- and 14-day intervals can be an important and sustainable tool for reducing D. citri infestation and dispersal in flushing citrus orchards. The reduced D. citri population in plots with both kaolin application intervals may be related to the visual effect (whitish aspect) and increased light reflectance in citrus trees, which are probably the main mechanisms by which kaolin interferes on D. citri host finding behavior.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Arthur F. Tomaseto
Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
control - general
Pest and/or beneficial records:
Beneficial | Pest/Disease/Weed | Crop/Product | Country | Quarant.
|
---|---|---|---|---|
Diaphorina citri | Citrus (genus) | Brazil (south) |