Psyllid capture in traps drops 41% in 2024

Traps installed in the citrus belt of the state of São Paulo and the Southwest Minas Gerais Triangle recorded a significant drop of 41% in the capture of psyllids (“Diaphorina citri”) in 2024, compared to 2023. This data is part of the biweekly survey by Fundecitrus, published on the Alerta Psilídeo platform.

According to the system, the average capture in 2023 was 2,23 psyllids per trap, while in 2024 that number fell to 1,32. The results also surpassed those of 2022, when the average was 1,68 psyllids per trap.

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Among the regions monitored, Casa Branca (SP) had the greatest reduction, with 76% fewer catches. Other regions that also stood out include Frutal (MG), with a 72% drop; Bebedouro (SP), with 68%; Novo Horizonte (SP), with 64%; and Araraquara (SP), with 57%. However, Itapetininga and Brotas, both in São Paulo, showed increases in catches, of 19% and 9%, respectively.

Climate impacts and efficient management

According to Ivaldo Sala, an agricultural engineer at Fundecitrus and coordinator of the Technology Transfer department, the results reflect efficient management actions by citrus growers combined with the climate conditions of 2024, marked by high temperatures and long periods of drought. These factors contributed to reducing the incidence, reproduction and dispersion of psyllids.

“The drop in catches shows that the management strategies recommended by Fundecitrus have proven effective. However, intensifying the work is essential due to the complexity and destructive capacity of greening,” warns Sala.

Continuous management and future challenges

The year 2023 recorded the highest capture rate since the beginning of the Psyllid Alert operation, with shoots – the insect's main food source – reaching 17,20%. In 2024, this percentage was reduced by 4%. This decrease was influenced by practices such as frequent spraying, elimination of diseased plants and rotation of pesticide modes of action.

The traps installed in the expansion areas in Mato Grosso do Sul and Minas Gerais reinforced monitoring, which currently covers 267 municipalities in 21 regions in the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais and Paraná, totaling more than 35 thousand traps.

“The results show that we are on the right track, but management needs to be reinforced, especially in regions where citrus farming is expanding,” concludes Sala.

The continuity of this work will be essential to face the challenges imposed by greening and ensure the sustainability of the citrus belt.