Psyllid population is high in the first half of 2021

Data from the Fundecitrus Phytosanitary Alert demonstrate growth in the psyllid population diaphorina citri, an insect that transmits the bacteria that cause greening, in the citrus belt in recent years. To reverse the situation, management must be even more rigorous at this time.

Although the population peak occurs in the months of August, September and October, with alternation between more favorable and less favorable years – with 2019 being the last record of relative stability –, since 2020, a significant increase in the insect population has been observed in areas with and unmanaged.

The main causes are the favorable conditions for reproduction and dispersal of the psyllid in recent years. With the increase in sprouts since 2020, the insect is able to reproduce more frequently, as sprouts are its preferred place for oviposition and feeding. Furthermore, the high temperatures and low humidity recorded favor its dispersion.

Other points that may have also influenced this population increase are the covid-19 pandemic, which affected operational activities that impacted psyllid control, the growth of abandoned orchards and inadequate management, with insufficient frequency of spraying, absent or inadequate rotation of insecticides with different modes of action and also a low rate of eradication of diseased plants.

To reverse this situation, strict control of the insect inside and outside the properties is necessary. Fundecitrus held a webinar on the subject, providing more detailed information and recommendations for management – ​​the video is available on the institution's YouTube channel, access here.