The first half of November recorded the highest sprouting rate ever measured by Brazil's Psyllid Alert system, reaching 37.4 per cent. Increased sprouting is closely associated with the expansion of the psyllid population, the insect vector responsible for transmitting huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening.
Historical data from the Psyllid Alert platform, developed by Fundecitrus, shows that the last time sprouting exceeded 36 per cent was in the first half of August 2023. In the following fortnight that year, the system registered its highest average psyllid capture rate at 8.4 insects per trap.
Ivaldo Sala, coordinator of the Technology Transfer Department at Fundecitrus, said several monitored regions are already showing increases in psyllid infestations compared with the previous fortnight. Sala said, "Considering the 23 regions covered by our alert, we saw an average increase of 6% in insect captures during this fortnight. In the same period last year, this increase was 50%."
With the rise in sprouting and renewed captures, Fundecitrus said citrus growers should intensify orchard monitoring and maintain protective measures at all times. The organisation recommends that growers continue pesticide applications at scheduled intervals and prioritise products known to perform well under current conditions.
Sala highlighted the importance of coordinated work among neighbouring growers. He said, "When neighboring citrus growers work in a coordinated manner, we avoid re-infestations and gain efficiency." He also noted that rainfall may temporarily reduce captures but encourages new sprouting, which often precedes increases in psyllid pressure. Sala said the next two weeks will be important for preventing population growth and reducing the risk of HLB spread.
The Psyllid Alert system provides free access to risk projections and field-based data to help growers anticipate periods when insect pressure is likely to rise. The recent update emphasises the value of using the platform's information to adjust management strategies in citrus orchards.
Source: Fundecitrus / Citrus Industry
