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Beneficial insects in organic agriculture: citrus little helpers

{Tool} Beneficial insects in organic agriculture: citrus little helpers. Creator(s): Avosani, Sabina and Verrastro, Vincenzo. Issuing Organisation(s): CIHEAM Bari - Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari. Biofruitnet practice abstracts, no. 1. (2022)

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Document available online at: https://orgprints.org/43468


Summary in the original language of the document

The BIs against P. citri are well-perceived by consumers and do not represent a threat to the agroecosystem.
Practical recommendations
• BIs are reared inside climatic chambers and shipped to farmers pre-fed and pre-mated.
• For citrus, two BIs are commonly used: Leptomastix dactylopii and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri.
• The parasitoid L. dactylopii is very efficient against P. citri. Repeated releases over a short period should be done under warm, sunny, humid conditions when the first mealybug females move towards the top of the plant.
• The ladybug C. montrouzieri can wipe out large P. citri populations. 10-20 adults per plant is neces-sary in cases of high infestations (around 5,000 ladybugs/hectare in orchards). High prey density stimulates egg laying and prevents dispersion; hence ladybugs’ release is recommended in hot spots.
• Limiting factors (for both species) include temperatures below 17 °C or above 34 °C and the presence of ants.
• To ensure maximum BIs at the site, it is suggested to (i) mist plants with water before releasing and in the evening, (ii) reduce the use of sticky traps, and (iii) avoid white cloths.


EPrint Type:Practice tool
What problem does the tool address?:Pests, such as the mealybug Planococcus citri, are of major economic concern in the citrus growing chain. Organic and safe alternatives to pesticides are crucial to control P. citri.
What solution does the tool offer?:Beneficial insects (BIs) may offer a sustainable alternative to pesticides since they can be propagated in the laboratory and released within the crop when pest infestation rates are high enough.
Country:Italy
Type of Practice Tool:Practice abstracts
Keywords:Crop production, citrus, biodiversity, biological control
Agrovoc keywords:
Language
Value
URI
English
crop production
http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_5976
English
Citrus
http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_1637
English
biodiversity
http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_33949
English
biological control
http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_918
Subjects: Environmental aspects > Biodiversity and ecosystem services
Crop husbandry > Production systems > Fruit and berries
Research affiliation: European Union > Horizon 2020 > Biofruitnet
Italy > IAMB Mediterranean Agronomic Institute Bari
European Union > Organic Farm Knowledge
Horizon Europe or H2020 Grant Agreement Number:862850
Related Links:https://organic-farmknowledge.org/tool/43468, https://www.facebook.com/organicfarmknowledge/posts/435596651686308, https://twitter.com/farm_knowledge/status/1493139061393006596
Project ID:ofk
Deposited By: Basler, Andreas
ID Code:43468
Deposited On:01 Feb 2022 13:06
Last Modified:02 May 2024 10:31
Document Language:English
Status:Published

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