Placement density and longevity of pheromone traps for monitoring of the citrus leafminer (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae)

Authors

  • Pilar Vanaclocha Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida/IFAS, Immokalee, FL 34142, USA
  • Moneen M. Jones Department of Entomology, University of Missouri, Fisher Delta Research Center, P.O. Box 160, Portageville, MO 63873-0160 (USA) Current address: Department of Entomology, University of Missouri, Fisher Delta Research Center, P.O. Box 160, Portageville, Missouri 63873, USA
  • Cesar Monzó Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida/IFAS, Immokalee, FL 34142, USA Current Address: Unidad Asociada IVIA-UJI, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias, Moncada, Valencia, Spain
  • Philip A. Stansly Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida/IFAS, Immokalee, FL 34142, USA

Keywords:

lure degradation, trap density, citrus canker, IPM, Phyllocnistis citrella

Abstract

The citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), is an important pest of all citrus varieties. Larvae damage young leaves, thereby reducing photosynthesis and tree vigor, and may impact yield. Wounds opened by P. citrella larvae may also increase susceptibility to citrus canker disease caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri (Xanthomonadales: Xanthomonadaceae). Sex pheromones coupled with appropriate traps are used as monitoring tools for this and other lepidopteran pests. Information compiled from trap captures is indicative of seasonal population fluctuations and may be used to guide management practices. Trap density and pheromone dispenser longevity are factors affecting the accuracy of trapping data. Our objectives were to evaluate capture of P. citrella in relation to trap density and duration under field conditions. Almost 2 yr of citrus leafminer monitoring demonstrated that a density of 1 trap per approximately 2 ha yielded similar results to the higher recommended density of 1 trap per 0.4 to 1.6 ha. Trap catch with the 2 pheromone brands tested declined by 25% after 3 to 6 wk and 50% after 6 to 10 wk during the spring through fall growing season in Florida. Therefore, correction factors are required if traps are replaced at 8 to 13 wk intervals. Results of the present study will help optimize monitoring programs that can serve as early warning of potential damaging populations of P. citrella.

 

Resumen

El minador de los cítricos, Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), es una plaga importante en todas las variedades de este cultivo. El daño asociado a sus larvas al alimentarse sobre hojas tiernas reduce la capacidad fotosintética del árbol así como su vigor, y puede afectar al rendimiento productivo. Además, las heridas producidas por este minador incrementan la susceptibilidad de la planta al canker de los cítricos, enfermedad causada por la bacteria Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri (Xanthomonadales: Xanthomonadaceae). La utilización de atrayentes sexuales para trampas de captura es ampliamente utilizada en el monitoreo de esta y otras especies plaga de lepidópteros. La información recogida de esta manera permite conocer las fluctuaciones poblacionales de la especie monitoreada y por lo tanto, puede ser de gran utilidad para su gestión. La densidad de trampas y la longevidad del dispensador son factores que afectan a la precisión de los datos obtenidos. Nuestros objetivos fueron evaluar la captura de adultos de P. citrella en relación a la densidad de trampas y duración de dispensadores en condiciones de campo. Prácticamente dos años de monitoreo demostraron que densidades de 1 trampa cada 2 ha produjo resultados similares a los obtenidos a la densidad recomendada de 1 trampa cada 0.4-1.6 ha. El número de capturas para las dos marcas de dispensadores evaluadas se redujo en un 25% después de 3-6 semanas y en un 50% entre las 6 y 10 semanas entre primavera y otoño. Por lo tanto se necesita de factores de corrección si las trampas son reemplazadas en un intervalo de 8-13 semanas. Los resultados del presente estudio ayudarán a optimizar los programas de monitoreo que mediante esta técnica pretenden reducir los daños potenciales asociados a P. citrella.

 

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Published

2016-03-29

Issue

Vol. 99, No. 2 (June 2016)

Section

Research Papers

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