ARS | Publication request: Application and evaluation of entomopathogens for citrus pest control

Submitted to: Book Chapter in Field Manual of Techniques in Insect Pathology, Kluwer Pub.
Publication Type: Book/Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: October 12, 2006
Publication Date: October 1, 2007
Citation: Mccoy, C.W., Stuart, R.J., Shapiro Ilan, D.I., Duncan, L.W. 2007. Application and evaluation of entomopathogens for citrus pest control. In: Lacey, L., Kaya, H.K., editors. Field Manual of Techniques in Insect Pathology. Vol II. Dordrecht: Springer. p. 567-582.

Interpretive Summary: Citrus is an important crop that harbors various insect pests. A number or these pests may be amenable to control using naturally occurring insect diseases as the pesticidal agent. Diseases that may be used as biopesticdes include viruses, nematodes and fungi. This chapter summarizes techniques that can be used to evaluate the efficacy of these biopesticides under for control of citrus pests under field conditions. Insect pests that may be amenable to control with biopesticides include citrus mites, brown citrus aphid, and citrus weevils such as the Diaprepes root weevil. The manuscript addresses protocols for selecting test sites, plot design, preparation, application and assessment. Generally, the biopesticides must be applied under environmental conditions that avoid excess exposure to ultraviolet light, and nematodes should be applied to soil under moist conditions.

Technical Abstract: Citrus is an important crop that harbors various insect pests. A number or these pests may be amenable to microbial control agents particularly nematodes, fungi and viruses. This chapter summarizes techniques used to evaluate field efficacy of microbial control agents in citrus. Insect pests that are addressed include citrus mites, brown citrus aphid (Toxoptera citricida), and citrus weevils such as the Diaprepes root weevil (Diaprepes abbreviatus). The manuscript includes protocols for selecting test sites, plot design, preparation, application and assessment.