Even though citrus greening is distributed throughout Florida citrus groves, controlling Asian citrus psyllid populations is still beneficial.
Citrus greening is distributed throughout nearly 100 percent of Florida citrus groves, and there has been a great deal of discussion as to whether continuing efforts aimed at controlling Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) populations is still necessary. Control efforts are expensive, cutting into citrus growers’ bottom lines. According to a Citrus Industry article, all current research suggests that controlling ACP populations is very important. See the details of the research below.
The Benefits of Controlling Asian Citrus Psyllid Populations
Multiple studies have concluded that controlling ACP populations is beneficial to the overall health of citrus trees. Research cited in the article includes:
Initial greenhouse experiments: These experiments showed a correlation between frequency and intensity of infection. The more psyllids that were allowed to feed on a tree, the earlier the disease was detected and the quicker it caused the decline of the tree.
A 2018 investigation funded by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service HLB Multi-Agency Coordination: Citrus trees were exposed to feeding ACP either one seven-day period, for seven days every month, or for a continuous duration. The citrus trees experiencing continuous ACP feeding damage and CLas infection declined the most.
A 2017 investigation by Cesar Monzo and Phil Stansly: This investigation showed improved yield in citrus groves where insecticide sprays used to control ACP populations were employed when compared with nearby groves that did nothing to control ACP populations.
Griffin Fertilizer is committed to helping both growers and ranchers make sound agronomic and economic decisions in order to maximize the health of their grove and pasture. As a full-service custom dry & liquid fertilizer blender and crop protection product distributor, we will continue our mission to further advance Florida agriculture. For questions or concerns about your farm or pasture, contact us and one of our team will be in touch.
