Aerial Application of Intrepid 2F for Control of Citrus Leafminer (Phyllocnistic citrellaStainton) in Oranges

Abstract

Citrus leafminer (CLM), Phyllocnistis citrellaStainton (Lepidoptera: Gracellariidae), was first detected in Florida in 1993 and quickly spread throughout the state. Foliar insecticides recommended against CLM target larvae found in ephemeral flush must be applied within a narrow window of time to be effective. Because the effectiveness of aerial applications of insecticides for CLM control has not been documented, we initiated a trial in July 2011 comparing ground vs aerial applications of Intrepid (methoxyfenizide) to Delegate (spinetoram) applied by air. Delegate is widely used to control the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri, and CLM. Intrepid is effective against Lepidoptera and would not use up a rotation mode of action for ACP control. Three treatments and an untreated check were arranged in a RCBD. Leaf damage was rated using a modified Horsfall system. Treatment differences in incidence and intensity of CLM damage were analyzed using ANOVA. Intrepid resulted in less damage than Delegate or the untreated control. We concluded that aerial applications of Intrepid are a viable alternative to ground sprays for CLM control.