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Agricultural Research Service United States Department of Agriculture
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Research Project: SEMIOCHEMICAL-BASED TECHNOLOGY FOR CONTROL OF CITRUS PESTS

Location: Subtropical Insects and Horticulture Research

2011 Annual Report


1a.Objectives (from AD-416)
Optimize pheromone-based mating disruption and control of the citrus leafminer; develop new semiochemical-based methods for Diaprepes root weevil and for the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP).


1b.Approach (from AD-416)
ARS has developed new methods for field application of SPLAT™ products and has discovered and/or optimized pheromone blends for insect control. Cooperator will synthesize and formulate semiochemicals and provide experimental formulations for testing by ARS in Florida and elsewhere.


3.Progress Report

This project is related to inhouse objective 1: Develop semiochemical-based control methods for citrus pests, particularly Asian citrus psyllid (ACP).

Field trials were conducted to document the longevity of pheromone-mediated mating disruption of citrus leafminer (CLM) following applications of SPLAT-CLM™ to citrus groves at locations in Florida. SPLAT (Specialized Pheromone & Lure Application Technology) is an emulsified wax slow-release delivery matrix designed to provide prolonged release of volatile compounds in the field. Single applications of 200 g/acre of SPLAT-CLM (0.15 percent A.I.) provided approximately six weeks of effective disruption of trap catch. Design improvements to a tractor-mounted computer-controled applicator led to the fabrication of an advanced prototype capable of treating more than300 acres/day. We have progressed significantly towards our goal of providing the citrus industry with the first use of insect semiochemicals as a control measure for a major pest in commercial citrus and a means of mechanical application to large areas. Continued effort will focus on extending the longevity of individual applications of SPLAT-CLM and reducing costs.

Progress was monitored through direct involvement in field activities, meetings with collaborators, telephone calls and email communication.


   

 
Project Team
Lapointe, Stephen
 
Project Annual Reports
  FY 2012
  FY 2011
 
Related National Programs
  Crop Protection & Quarantine (304)
 
 
Last Modified: 06/19/2013
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