See advice from a UF/IFAS entomologist on the essentials of Asian citrus psyllid management for Florida citrus growers.
“ACP control is essential.” That was the message delivered by UF/IFAS entomologist Lukasz Stelinski in the June episode of the All In For Citrus podcast, according to a Citrus Industry article. He maintained that “The strategies to control the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) in Florida have evolved over the years. Some practices have come and gone,” but that controlling ACP, even with therapies like oxytetracycline injections and gibberellic acid, it’s still a must to combat ACP populations. See Stelinski’s recommendations for Asian citrus psyllid management below.
Asian Citrus Psyllid Management Tips
Stelinski shared the following points concerning Asian citrus psyllid management, according to the article:
- “Growers should target the flush periods because that is when the pest is reproducing.”
- “Growers would benefit from insecticide applications during the dormant period that typically runs from late November to early February,” as “this is a time when ACP are dying off naturally, so targeted insecticide applications can really knock populations back during this period.”
- “Applications can include the more nonselective chemistries like organophosphates and pyrethroids because concerns over honey bees are less during” the dormant period.
- “For use during the bloom period, he recommended products like Sivanto Prime, Movento, Portal, and Micromite because they are safer to bees.”
- “Then, for the remainder of the year, particularly in June, Movento, Sivanto Prime, Delegate and Exirel can be utilized. He reminded growers of the importance of insecticide rotation to avoid ACP resistance.”
- “For growers utilizing plant hormones like gibberellic acid, he said those materials tend to enhance flush, which could lead to high populations of ACP. So, those growers should be extra vigilant in managing the pest.”
- “Getting away from an overly aggressive strategy, Stelinski said if you don’t have ACP in your groves, don’t spray. But when you do see them, spray — especially during the flush periods.”
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