Citrus Pests and Diseases​ Biocontrol Treatment

The contemporary citrus cultivators are under the growing and multifaceted stressor of citrus pests and diseases that may easily cut a swath on the output, quality of fruits and the health of the trees in the long-run unless it is tackled early. Leaves, young shoots, fruit and even roots are attacked by chewing and sap-sucking insects like citrus leafminer, Asian citrus psyllid, citrus whitefly, red and rust mites, cottony cushion scale, aphids, mealybugs and thrips leading to serious incidence of citrus leaf diseases and systemic infections. Meanwhile, such major pathogens as citrus canker disease, greasy spot, melanose, Alternaria brown spot, Phytophthora root and foot rot, anthracnose, black spot and other cankers require specific disease management to the citrus trees that protects the tree foliage, roots and vascular tissue without leaving toxic residues or disturbance of valuable soil biology.

In turn, the leading growers are moving off chemistry-only programmes to formulated integrated and organic citrus pest controls, products that are based on biological products and good farming practices. Caterpillars, whiteflies, psyllids, scales, mealybugs and root weevils are suppressed using entomopathogenic microbes or biocontrols like BT Thuricide, Beveria WP, Met Zone and Fumokar (citrus pesticide), leaves and roots are covered against canker, Phytophthora and leaf spots by fungal antagonists like Trianum V and Trianum Shield. Biostimulants and microbe blends used in complementary way enhance the capacity of roots to be vigorous, to absorb nutrients and resistance, which allow trees to fight stress and heal faster upon infection. As part of an extensive citrus pests and diseases programme, such technologies have reduced reliance on chemicals, minimized the rate of resistance, preserved beneficial insects and soil life, and enabled production of harvestable fruit with low residue levels, which can be successfully exported. This blog will give emphasis on field tested and practical methods of citrus tree disease treatment, diagnosis and management of some of the most important citrus leaf diseases and to enhance the long term resiliency of the orchard through integrated methods of treating the citrus tree diseases.

 

Citrus Pests

Citrus Leafminer	Leafhoppers	Planthoppers	Citrus Whitefly	Citrus Red Mite	Citrus Rust Mite
COttony Cushion Scale	Aphids	Mealybugs	Citrus Thrips	Asian Citrus Psyllid	Citrus Root Weevil

 

Citrus Diseases

Citrus Canker	Greasy Spot	Botrytis Grey Mold	Powdery Mildew	Citrus Black Spot	Phytophthora Root
Citrus Scab	Alternaria Brown Spot	Anthracnose	Melanose	Dieback	Citrus Variegated Chlorosis

 

Citrus Nutrition

Sustainable Nitrogen Fixation

Potassium and Silicon Absorbtion

Inorganic Phosphorus Uptake

Soil Health for Olive

 

 

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Organic Citrus Pest Control

Target Pests: Citrus leafminer, Leafhoppers, and planthoppers 

Recommended Product: BT Thuricide 

Active ingredient: Bacillus thuringiensis (BT)

The prevalent citrus pest management programs are also turning to the use of biological instruments to ensure that foliage is clean and free of residues and that useful insects are not killed. The citrus leafminer and several leafhoppers and planthoppers may inflict distorted flush, silvery serpentine mines, loss of sap which makes young and mature trees vulnerable to diseases and weaken their growth. BT Thuricide, best pesticide for citrus trees, a bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis product, is in an organic or low-residue system that targets to control the larval stages of these pests, the lepidopteran and leaf-eating pests without a negative impact on natural enemies. BT Thuricide is applied as a foliar spray at times when the foliage is actively in the flush and the tender plants most appetizing to egg-depositing adults to form a coat on the leaf surface such that the young larvae can ingest the toxin during feeding resulting in gut perturbation and mortality over the course of a few days. Owing to the highly specificity of this mode of action, it does not cause any incongruency to integrated citrus IPM strategies which also involves monitoring, pruning and preservation of predators and parasitoids to maintain pest pressure below economic thresholds.

 

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Target Pests: Citrus whitefly, Citrus red mite, Citrus rust mite, Cottony cushion scale, Aphids, Mealybugs, Citrus thrips 

Recommended Product: Beaveria WP

Active ingredient: Beauveria bassiana

Pressured citrus blocks infested by citrus whitefly, red and rust mites, cottony cushion scale, aphids, mealybugs and citrus thrips are also well suited to a universal like Beveria WP (best insecticide for citrus trees). This wettable powder is prepared using the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana which infects soft-bodied pests by contact: Spores landing on the insect cuticle will germinate in humid conditions and infect the insect finally sporulating on cadaver to infect other insect through the canopy. Due to the ability of Beauveria to synchronously impact a variety of sap-sucking and surface-feeding stages, an effective foliar spray program can be used to reduce honeydew producers (aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, cottony cushion scale), suppress fruit-damaging thrips and mites and, because Beauveria moves faster than females, enticing particles, all leading to a reduction in sooty mold and an increase in pack-out quality. Beveria WP action is a biological pesticide applicable to the citrus trees that integrates with the natural enemies in the biology aspect and does not yield any of the conventional residues and with this property, Beveria WP is the best option when combining citrus pests management practices to produce export fruit and the long-term sustenance of the orchard yield.

 

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Target Pests: Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri)

Recommended Product: Fumokar 

Active Ingredient:  Isaria fumosorosea

The most important huanglongbing (citrus greening) vectors are Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri), and therefore, the management of nymphs and adults of the pest is a priority of any serious citrus IPM program. Fumokar, as an Asian citrus psyllid pesticide, is a biological alternative that is residue-free and offers an entomopathic infectious option based on the entomopathogenic fungus, Isaria fumosorosea, where spores attach to the waxy cuticle following contact with psyllids, germinates under moderate moisture and infects the body and successfully multiplies on cadavers into secondary spores. Fumokar applications used as a foliar spray on small shoots during maximum flushing are used to reduce psyllid populations but does not affect predators, parasitoids or pollinators, thus making it an excellent fit to areas that are trying to reduce the spread of HLB using sustainable, biologically-oriented psyllid management.

 

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Target Pests: Citrus root weevil / root borer 

Recommended Product: Met Zone

Active Ingredient: Metarhizium anisopliae

The orchards are secretly destroyed by citrus root weevils and root borers who suck on the feeder roots and the crown tissues resulting in stunting, poor flush, foliage yellowing and in severe cases tree decline or death. As a long-lasting, soil-based suppressant, Met Zone provides a granular preparation of Metarhizium anisopliae which is used to attack these pests at the rhizosphere. On contact with weevil larvae or adults in moist soil, the spores in Met Zone, insecticide for citrus trees​, will germinate on the cuticle, enter into the body and colonize internal tissue killing the insects, and will continue to infect other generations using the soil particles and organic debris. Met Zone is applied at 60-90 kg/ha on moist soil, pre-planting, or banding around existing trees and incorporated lightly, therefore, offering season-long protection to crops by biological mechanisms without the harm to living organisms, which is why it is an effective foundation tool in effective citrus root-pest management.

 

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Citrus Leaf Diseases

Target Diseases: Citrus canker, Greasy spot, Botrytis grey mold, Powdery mildew, Citrus black spot

Recommended Product: FloraEgis 

Active Ingredient: Trichoderma harzianum   

Citrus blocks under chronic condition of pressure caused by citrus canker, greasy spot, Botrytis grey mould, powdery mildew, and citrus black spot require foliar program, which secures leaves and fruit without accumulating copper or synthetic residues within the orchard. The product FloraEgis, foliar fungicide, derived through the fungus Trichoderma harzianum, gives a protective coating, which is created by the biological protection, on the leaf and fruit cover, and also enhances the natural resistance of a tree. Having attached, Trichoderma competes with space and nutrition, parasitises pathogenic fungi, and releases cell-wall-degrading enzymes that inhibit lesion growth and spore germination in a combination of diseases simultaneously. By applying FloraEgis on the foliage regularly, at times of vulnerability e.g. during warm, humid weather or during flush and fruit-set phases etc., the lesions associated with canker, oily greasy-spots, infections caused by grey moulds and powdery mildew are allowed to be controlled and can help increase longevity of the canopy and pack-out quality. Since FloraEgis is not a residue and does not affect the presence of beneficial microbes, the compound can be easily integrated into the existing citrus disease management programs directed to the export markets and sustainable orchard with long-term use.

 

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Citrus Tree Disease Treatment

Target Diseases:  Phytophthora root and foot rot, Citrus scab, Alternaria brown spot, Anthracnose, Melanose, Diplodia stem‑end rot / dieback

Recommend Product:  HarzShield

Active Ingredient: Trichoderma harzianum

Citrus trees affected by Phytophthora root and foot rot, citrus scab, Alternaria brown spot, anthracnose, melanose and Diplodia stem-end rot or dieback require root-zone as well as canopy protection in order to remain fruit-producing in the long-run. A product called HarzShield which is based on Trichoderma harzianum is aimed to colonise the rhizosphere and bark where it aggressively competes and parasitises disease fungi as well as inducing induced systemic resistance in the tree. Formulated as a soil drench, drip irrigation or a spray onto base trunk, HarzShield fungicide for citrus trees prevents the damage of the feeder roots against Phytophthora and other pathogenic agents present in the soil, leading to foot rot, basal rot, and crown cut. Simultaneously, its multi-mode activity (mycoparasitism, production of enzymes, competition with nutrients) prevents infection of fruit, twigs and stem ends by scab, Alternaria, anthracnose, melanose, and Diplodia, favoring growth and harvest clean up. Being a residue free biological, it can easily be included in integrated citrus diseases programs, which are designed to reduce the use of copper and synthetic fungicides without impacting on the yields of the program and the quality of fruit produced which both can be sent to the market.

 

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Target Diseases: Citrus variegated chlorosis (Xylella fastidiosa, in affected regions)

Recommended Product: Cropium

Active Ingredient:  Penicillium Bilaiae

Citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC) is a chronic vascular injury present in the affected region as a result of Xylella fastidiosa, which impairs trees by blocking xylem vessels thus leading to leaf chlorosis, hard fruits and declining yields. Even though there is no curative or eradication treatment that may be applied once the trees have been severely afflicted, a better rooted system and the increase of uptake of nutrients can save the young trees or less attacked trees being in a better position to endure the pressure and be more productive. Cropium, which is a variety of the useful fungus Penicillium bilaiae, (best fungicide for citrus trees) colonises the rhizosphere entrapping locked up phosphorus in soil and increasing its availability to citrus roots as well as releasing metabolites that facilitate root growth and root vitality. Applied as a root dip or a soil drench at planting and used as an irrigation in the first seasons, Cropium aids the enhanced root architecture and more advantageous nutrient utilization and thus assist the trees to endure better the water-disruption situation of CVC. Combined with stringent control of vectors, elimination of perversely diseased trees, and moderate fertilisation, Cropium can be an assistive element of long-term management in a dangerously infected orchard because of citrus variegated chlorosis.

 

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Citrus Biostimulant Treatment

Purpose:  Enhance Citrus Growth with Sustainable Nitrogen Fixation

Recommend Product: Metilo

Active Ingredient: Methylobacterium

With Metilo using Methylobacterium, a natural atmospheric nitrogen fixer bacterium, Metilo provides a safe and efficient biological nitrogen supplement to the citrus trees without necessarily relying on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. Upon usage either as foliar sprays or root treatments, Metilo colonizes citrus leaf and roots turning atmospheric nitrogen into forms that can be readily absorbed by the root system. This biological method reduces tree stress, encourages tree size, and improves flower (flowering) capacity at various developmental stages, and improves microbial diversification in the soil and decreases the utilization of chemicals in the soil particularly nitrogen, which is subject to sustainable and economical citrus fruit tree diseases​ production in this biological method.

 

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Purpose:  Promote Potassium and Silicon Absorption in Citrus

Active Ingredient: Bacillus mucilaginosus

Bacillus mucilinosus is a specific biofertilizer which moves potassium and silicon in soil by using the organic acid and enzymes and releases these nutrients of citrus in the rhizosphere. Potassium controls water balance, enzyme activation and the ability to tolerate stress in citrus tissues, and silicon enhances cell walls to be stronger and disease resistant and structurally stable. Applied at the initial tree planting phase all the way to the fruitful maturity, this biofertilizer provides slow-release nutrient, reduces the artificial potassiumivous fertilizer requirements, and improves the general growth and quality of fruits in sustainable citrus production.

 

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Purpose: Improve Phosphorus Uptake in Citrus

Recommended Product: Cropium

Active Ingredient: Penicillium bilaiae

Penicillium bilaiae-containing cropium dissolves the fixed soil phosphorus by the synthesis of organic acids allowing the phosphate reserves to be released and be usable by citrus roots. Increased phosphorus availability stimulates root growth, increases nutrient utilization, increases stress resistance and favors rapid root development, especially in young citrus orchards. Cropium is a subset of fertilization programs which reduces the usage of chemical phosphates, promotes healthy soils as well as providing high-quality citrus fruit disease using sustainable production methods.

 

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Purpose: Strengthen Soil Health for Sustainable Citrus Farming

Recommended Product:  Soil Vigor

Active Ingredient: Blended microbes (Bacillus and Trichoderma species)

Being composed of useful microorganisms like Bacillus spp., Trichoderma spp., Soil Vigor supplements the soil ecosystem by accelerating the degradation of organic matter, promoting the recycling and bioavailability of nutrients in the soil to the citrus root. This microbial community has been shown to reduce soil pathogenic samples through competition and antimicrobial substances that facilitate strong colonization of roots as well as systemic disease resistance. Regular uses develop resilient soil microbiomes, which enhance soil structure, water retention, aeration, and nutrient dynamics, reducing the need to use chemical fertilizers and pesticides to achieve the long-term citrus production and sustainability.

 

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Citrus Pest and Disease Management

Sustainable citrus pests and diseases management is a cultural, biological and accurate approach to counteracting such threats as citrus greening (HLB), canker, greasy spot, phytophthora root rot, aphids, thrips, and mites. Orchard sanitation, timely and balanced irrigation, and specific biocontrol for organic citrus pest control are involved in effective citrus tree disease treatment (exemplified by entomopathogenic fungi (Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae), antagonist (Trichoderma harzianum in FloraEgis/Shield), and bacterial agents (Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp.). The company offers high efficacy products such as FloraEgis which is a foliar pathogen suppressant, and HarzShield which suppresses foliar pathogens, root/soil issues, citrus leaf disease, with no residues. This comprehensive approach aids in averting pesticide resistance, conserving advantageous organisms, maintains ecology, and produces healthier and higher-quality citrus besides ensuring the viability of the orchard in the long run or environmental custodianship.