Could tree density play a role in managing Citrus Huanglongbing epidemics?

Autor(es)

Moreira, Alecio Souza ; Stuchi, Eduardo S. ; Silva, Pedro R. B. ; Bassanezi, Renato B. ; Girardi, Eduardo A. ; Laranjeira, Francisco F.

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: ROPICAL PLANT PATHOLOG; v. 44, n. 3, p. 7-pg., 2019-06-01.

Resumo

Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) management relies on adoption of preventive measures including the use of healthy nursery trees, area-wide control of the vector Diaphorina citri, and eradication of symptomatic trees. Cultural practices including tree density could contribute to HLB management. We investigated the role of tree density on the incidence of HLB using a historical dataset from commercial orchards in Sao Paulo State, Brazil. The HLB incidence from 2013 to 2015 was compared through 495 blocks of different tree ages (3 to 13years old), tree localization within the farm (edge or non-edge), and tree densities (from 220 to 714 treesha(-1)) according to the tree spacing used. Diaphorina citri was controlled rigorously in all commercial blocks using drench applications of systemic insecticides and foliar sprays of contact insecticides. The results indicated that cumulative HLB incidence was predominantly lower at higher tree densities. In addition to vector control and removal of HLB-symptomatic trees, planting of trees in high densities may reduce the proportions of HLB-infected trees, thereby contributing to improved profitability for farmers in HLB-endemic sites. In particular, this management practice should be applied at the edges of farms. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 14/26758-0 - Huanglongbing dos citros: seleção para resistência, análise de sobrevivência de combinações copa/porta-enxerto e de sistemas de plantio
• Beneficiário: Eduardo Sanches Stuchi
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular