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Abstract
In previous and ongoing research performed by our team at SWFREC (see articles in Citrus Industry 100 and 103 issues), we have demonstrated that IPCs are an effective tool for excluding psyllids from newly planted citrus trees, keeping them HLB-free for more than 2 years after planting and with several additional benefits for plant health. A question arose on the possibility of having the beneficial effects of IPC coverage while not covering all the trees in a solid planting but covering the ‘strategic’ trees only (i.e., trees on hot spots or at the edge of grove). In other words, we were interested in finding out whether covering only a subsection of trees in a solid replant would also be effective in maintaining a generally healthy and productive citrus grove. This would dramatically reduce the costs associated with purchase and installation of the IPCs. Therefore, we started testing the different layouts for IPCs deployment. We want to understand if covering every tree in a block is necessary or if there are situations in which some trees can remain uncovered, adjusting to different psyllid pressure and geographical features of the grove. This research hinges on the edge effect concept, based on which psyllids are more abundant in the periphery of a grove. In summary, having part of the trees uncovered in a grove without a significant increase in psyllid colonization would result in more targeted management and substantial savings for the grower.