See the steps Florida citrus growers can take to boost biological controls in their citrus groves to target Asian citrus psyllids.
“As summer takes hold in June, Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) populations are often high coinciding with availability of new flush,” shared a recent UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article. It’s also the time that the populations of biological controls—a variety of insects that target ACPs—also increase. The article maintained that “Growers can improve biological control by making management decisions that help predators and parasitoids survive and function in the grove.” See tips to boost those allies in the grove, below.
Management for Biological Controls
The article shared the following ways to boost biological controls:
“Manage Ants
One important step is to manage ants. Ants feed on honeydew produced by ACP nymphs and may protect nymphs from natural enemies. Recent research in Florida showed that trees with ants had more ACP and fewer important predators, including lady beetles and spiders. Fire ants were especially disruptive because they attacked lady beetle larvae and prevented them from feeding on ACP nymphs. Where practical, use ant baits or trunk barriers to reduce ant movement into tree canopies, especially during periods of active flush.
Limit Sprays
A second step is to conserve beneficial insects by avoiding unnecessary broad-spectrum insecticide applications during summer. Lady beetles, lacewings, syrphid flies, spiders and Tamarixia wasps can all contribute to ACP suppression, but they are vulnerable to disruptive sprays. When treatment is needed, choose more selective materials and time applications carefully to reduce impacts on beneficials.
Enhance Environment
Finally, maintain a grove environment that supports natural enemies. Groundcover or flowering plants near blocks can provide nectar, pollen and shelter for adult predators and parasitoids. These resources can help keep beneficial insects in the grove longer and improve their ability to respond when ACP nymphs appear on flush
Integrate Strategies
Biological control will not replace ACP management, but during summer it can help reduce pest pressure and improve the performance of an integrated program. The key is to remove barriers to natural enemy activity, especially ants, and avoid practices that unnecessarily disrupt beneficial insects.”
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.