Map by microregion helps citrus growers know where the greening is

Due to the large extension of the citrus belt and its characteristics, the incidence of greening is different in the different regions that make up it. To allow citrus growers to better understand the places where they are located, work by Fundecitrus divided the belt into 84 microregions, analyzed based on five factors: incidence of greening, psyllid population, citrus density, number of citrus properties and profile of properties.

The maps support more assertive decisions to choose the best location to start new plantings and to determine what intensity of control should be adopted. “Based on this information, the recommendation is that producers take the necessary measures to avoid an increase in greening in their orchards, carefully evaluating the location for new plantings and, when possible, opting for regions that are less favorable to the disease and that facilitate its regional management. ”, explains Fundecitrus researcher Renato Bassanezi.

Beyond the currency

In addition to knowing the micro-region, it is important that the citrus grower also knows the surroundings of the farm and who his closest neighbors are, within a 5 km radius. Within a microregion with favorable conditions for greening, it is possible to find an “isolated” location, without nearby citrus properties, which allows for less pressure from psyllids coming from outside the farm and increases the chances of successful internal control.

However, it is important to remember that sources of inoculum are not only in commercial orchards without psyllid control and elimination of diseased plants, but can also be found on non-commercial properties such as ranches, farm condominiums and rural neighborhoods and also in pastures and forests or as regrowth within other crops.