Scheduling ACP spring spray selection based on the Citrus Flowering Monitor System

Scheduling ACP spring spray selection based on the Citrus Flowering Monitor System

Report Date: 09/13/2016
Project: 850   Year: 2016
Category: ACP Vector
Author: L. Gene Albrigo
Sponsor: Citrus Research and Development Foundation

The evaluation of the up-graded on-line ‘Citrus Flowering Monitor System’ after the first year of data collection was completed. In spite of the totally abnormal weather pattern this past fall and early winter, essentially no cold induction before January 1st, the flowering cohorts and timing were very close to the actual time of flowering experienced by many growers. No growers reported problems with using the new on-line format. With one year of data, 5 to 10 % open flowers was reached about 21 to 27 days before full bloom. Therefore, open flowers for PFD invasion was about March 3 to 9 for the first wave. The first estimates of vegetative flush were 7 to 10 days earlier than the 5-10 % open flower date suggesting a one week window for flush spray coverage with more effective chemicals for psyllid control. This short window would only allow for an aerial spray. Flowering for the second spring bloom period under this project had major blooms in March and April. The second major wave was in early April. Preliminary evaluation of flower and flush development indicated that a longer period of time occurred between the feather flush of leaves and 5 to 10 % open flowers. These major cohorts of normal flowers plus earlier off-season flowering as a continuous winter-spring flowering event probably contributed to very heavy incidence of PFD this past spring.


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