Figure 1. Pheromone Trap (cals.arizona.edu/crops/
Figure 2. Insecticide Toxicity (jenny.tfrec.wsu.edu/Citrus leafminers can be controlled biologically by many native species of parasitoids. These include many species that are mentioned in the biological control section. Due to the biology of CLMs chemical control of the species is extremely difficult. Proper timing is crucial when applying chemicals for control, however this can be extremely difficult making chemical control only marginally effective. There has been research conducted in Florida, which concluded that CLM damage typically does not reduce yield of mature citrus trees. Mature trees are trees beyond 4 years of age.
Monitoring for CLM is very important and many tools are available to help. First many pheromone traps are available to capture male moths. This is not a good way to monitor for CLM density, but it does reveal the insect’s presence or absence from an orchard. Traps should be hung at shoulder height just inside the foliage of the citrus trees; the traps need to be put out when citrus trees are pushing new growth. Do not prune out CLM-damaged leaves because most leaves are still being sources for the tree, and pruning pushes new leaves creating new susceptible growth. Finally, nitrogen application should be provided at a stage that promotes new growth when CLM are least active. The bottom line is that CLM damage does not reduce the harvestable yield in mature citrus trees.
No comments:
Post a Comment