The period is favorable for the population increase of the psyllid and requires attention from citrus growers

With the start of the rains in several regions of the citrus belt, even more attention needs to be paid to greening, due to the increase in the psyllid population during this period.

The second semester is, traditionally, the period when the insect's population peaks, with a large number of insects captured by the yellow sticky traps of the Fundecitrus Phytosanitary Alert, a tool that monitors the insect population and sprouts.

This happens because the rain, associated with heat, favors the buds of citrus plants, suitable for the psyllid's feeding and reproduction – especially at the end of winter and beginning of spring. Furthermore, the rise in temperature that occurs at this time of year favors the development of the insect and the wind helps with its dispersion.

Strict management is essential

The psyllid population has grown considerably in recent years, according to data from the Phytosanitary Alert. To deal with this scenario, especially at this favorable time for the insect, the recommendation is that citrus growers pay attention to the sprouts and monitor the psyllid to intensify control during these critical periods.

It is important that chemical control is carried out appropriately, with special attention to the edge plots, respecting the rotation of product modes of action and with the joint action of producers from the same region, which optimizes control and prevents migration of the insect between properties.

More information about psyllid and greening management is available in the Fundecitrus technical manuals:

Diaphorina citri psyllid manual – essential control measures: available here.

Greening management – ​​10 commandments for successful disease control: available here.