Monitoring and applications at the correct time prevent ferret attacks

The greatest losses due to ferret attacks occur in warmer and more humid regions, plots close to forests (places with other host plants for the insect), places with inadequate management and in areas where there are delays or deficiencies in harvesting – the fruits that remain in trees they serve for the insect to continue its cycle.

To prevent attacks, two points are fundamental: carry out monitoring at the appropriate time, that is, when the fruits are green and have reached their final size (before flagging) and start applications with the pest population still low. Check out all the guidelines below:

Difference from fly strike

The fruit fly attack causes soft rot in the fruit, while the ferret attack leaves the area hard and it is possible to observe the insect's excrement.

Fly attack x ferret attack photo art

Inspection

In addition to visual inspection for damaged fruits, it is important to use pheromone traps to detect the initial focus of the pest. This trap must be installed at the top of the plant and cover a maximum area of ​​10 hectares.

It is essential to start control when catches reach the control level.

Control

To manage ferrets, chemical insecticides on the list can be used. Protecitrus for the control of moth and caterpillars and biological insecticides or growth regulators targeted only at the caterpillars.

As the moth has a habit of staying inside the canopy during the day, the producer must use a spray volume of around 70 mL/m³ of canopy in order to obtain high coverage.

In cases of high infestations and high damage to the fruits, it will be necessary to establish a frequent spraying program with the aim of breaking this insect cycle.

additional care

Two cultural practices can help with management: anticipating the harvest and removing attacked fruits from the plants and falling under the canopy and between the planting rows.