The future of the Florida citrus industry depends on successful replacement of the present bearing tree inventory with new plantings.� This would be a relatively routine process were it not for the ubiquitous presence of huanglongbing (HLB) and its Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) vector. Bringing young trees into production is a challenge in the presence of HLB. The key to protecting young trees from HLB is effective and consistent psyllid control. ACP populations have been steadily increasing statewide for the last few years, increasing pressure on young plantings. Wide spread resistance to the neonicotinoid insecticides, formally pillars of ACP management on young trees, is the other major factor affecting control on young trees. Reduced effectiveness of insecticides to adequately control ACP in young trees is a serious problem requiring new strategies to protect vulnerable young trees from HLB.� Reflective mulches have long been used in vegetable production to deter dayflying pests like aphids and thrips, presumably through disruption of horizontal orientation by reflecting sunlight to the bottom of the eye rather than the top. Flight is disrupted when the insect sees sky below and becomes disoriented. Some recent trials have shown significant effectiveness of UV reflective mulches in reducing the incidence of ACP and HLB. The mulch planting system besides insect repellence may provide some additional advantages such as efficient use of water and fertilizer, reduced use of herbicides by virtue of weed suppression, reduced psyllid resistance to insecticides and increased soil and canopy temperature. However, all these variables need to be better quantified and evaluated on different soils. The mulch system will also allow us to test a strategy of more efficient ACP control than previously possible by using irrigation to synchronize flush.� It would thus be possible to start psyllid control with a new flush at bud break with no egg or nymph stages and only adult ACP.� This is analogous to the situation during tree dormancy and targetting psyllid adults in winter prior to spring growth which we already demonstrated. Evaluation of young tree production on reflective mulches is being conducted in Gulf, Ridge, and River regions of the state. Study locations and plants suitable for all three locations are being prepared. Evaluations include 1) assessment of effects of UV reflective mulch on ACP control, HLB incidence and severity, tree growth and ultimately fruit production, and 2) assessment of ACP control and resistance to insecticides in response to flush synchronization for ACP control using mulch/drip irrigation system on three different soils types. Economic analysis summarizing 3-year and projected costs and benefits of mulch system with and without flush control will be conducted. Positions for the postdoc and temporary assistant were announced and applicants being evaluated.� �