Impact of the main citrus diseases and pests on the premature fruit drop of orange orchards of the São Paulo citrus belt

• Grant number: 16/21632-3
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: May 01, 2017
• End date: April 30, 2019
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Plant Health
• Principal Investigator: Franklin Behlau
• Grantee: Franklin Behlau
• Host Institution: Fundo de Defesa da Citricultura (FUNDECITRUS). Araraquara , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Fabrício Eustáquio Lanza ; Geraldo José da Silva Junior

Abstract

Despite the recent reduction of the planted area, Brazil remains, by far, the largest orange producer and orange juice exporter in the world. However, although huge amounts are produced and exported, the rate of fruit loss due to premature drop in the field is significant. In the Brazilian citrus belt, the rate of premature fruit drop reached 17% in the last season, corresponding to R$496 million in crop losses. Diseases and insects are the main cause of the drop, which are often under or over estimated by superficial and restricted assessments. Thus, it is essential to perform of reliable study to quantify the impact of the fruit drop causes on the orange production in São Paulo citrus belt. The research will be developed using the framework of the pre-established program of production estimation (PES) conducted yearly by the Fund for Citrus Protection (Fundecitrus), Araraquara, SP, Brazil. The main goal is to estimate the impact of each disease/pest on the reduction of orange production. The results generated by the implementation of this proposal will provide more accurate and specific information for the management of the most impactful diseases in different regions around the citrus belt, contributing to a more competitive and profitable citrus industry. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

MOREIRA, RAFAELE REGINA; MACHADO, FRANKLIN JACKSON; LANZA, FABRICIO EUSTAQUIO; TROMBIN, VINICIUS GUSTAVO; BASSANEZI, RENATO BEOZZO; DE MIRANDA, MARCELO PEDREIRA; BARBOSA, JOSE CARLOS; DA SILVA JUNIOR, GERALDO JOSE; BEHLAU, FRANKLIN. Impact of diseases and pests on premature fruit drop in sweet orange orchards in Sao Paulo state citrus belt, Brazil. Pest Management Science, v. 78, n. 6, p. 14-pg., 2022-04-18. (16/21632-3)