Psyllids

Psyllids and HLB Spreading in Georgia

Dan CooperGeorgia, HLB Management, Psyllids

Populations of Asian citrus psyllids (ACP) have been found in residential and commercial citrus in Georgia’s Lowndes and Wayne counties during the past two months. ACP spread huanglongbing (HLB) disease. In several places where ACP were found, HLB-infected trees were identified nearby. University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (UGA CAES) entomologist Apurba Barman provided details about the …

weeds

The Relationship Between Snails and Weeds Needs Research

Dan CooperPests, Weed Management

The preference of Bulimulus bonariensis snails to feed on weeds in citrus groves does not necessarily imply that increased weed management will lead to a reduction in pest populations. This relationship requires further research by Lauren Diepenbrock, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) assistant professor and entomologist. “It’s something I think we really need to look …

snail

Snail Update: Impacts and Abamectin

Dan CooperPests

Snail impacts on Southeast citrus production can be devastating. A big part of the problem is not the damage to citrus trees but the harm the pest inflicts on irrigation systems. Lauren Diepenbrock, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences associate professor and entomologist, conveyed this message to cold-hardy producers during the Citrus Grower’s Summer Update meeting on …

insect pests

Insect Pests To Watch for in Georgia

Dan CooperGeorgia, Pests

Georgia citrus growers are a couple of months away from harvest season. If producers are going to maximize this year’s crop, they need to protect it from insect pests. Apurba Barman, University of Georgia assistant professor of entomology at the Tifton Campus, discussed insect pests during the Southeast Citrus Update in Lyons, Georgia on July 24. He focused on a …

pest populations

Scout to Stay Ahead of Pest Populations

Dan CooperPests

It is much better for Florida citrus growers to be proactive than reactive when managing pest populations. Scouting and monitoring citrus groves is crucial for growers who hope to thwart off impacts from insects like the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP). If growers are not successful, they will be behind the eight ball in minimizing the impact of these annual pests. …

psyllid

Now Is the Time to Knock Back Psyllid Populations

Dan CooperHLB Management, Pests, Psyllids

Now is the time for Florida citrus growers to implement management tactics to control the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), the insect that vectors citrus greening, also known as huanglongbing (HLB). ACPs are currently in low populations across Florida’s citrus-producing region. That means growers should act now to protect their crop from the insect’s impact, says Chris Oswalt, University of Florida …

scouting

Scouting Critical for Southeast Citrus Industry

Dan CooperGeorgia, HLB Management, Psyllids

Regular scouting for Asian citrus psyllids and citrus greening disease is critical for Georgia’s citrus industry to remain healthy. That advice applies to both commercial growers and homeowners, Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist, said during the recent Citrus Grower’s Summer Update meeting in Valdosta. Oliver encouraged all growers to scout for the disease …

commercial

HLB and Psyllids in Georgia Commercial Citrus

Dan CooperGeorgia, Psyllids

One of Georgia citrus growers’ worst fears is slowly becoming a reality. Citrus greening, also known as huanglongbing (HLB), was observed in a Georgia commercial citrus grove for the first time in 2023. This is alarming news for the industry, says Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist. “We knew HLB was here in residential …

Tiny but Destructive: UGA Entomologist Discusses Thrips Research

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Pests

By Clint Thompson Thrips management is an annual challenge for specialty crop producers. One University of Georgia Extension entomologist is hopeful a new insecticide will be registered in the fall to help manage the tiny but destructive pest. Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist, talked about his latest research pertaining to thrips management. “We do something …

Hot and Dry: Weather Conditions Favorable for Buildup of Whiteflies, Spider Mites

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Pests

By Clint Thompson The current hot and dry weather conditions have one University of Georgia (UGA) entomologist concerned that whitefly and spider mite pressure will soon intensify in vegetable crops. Stormy Sparks, UGA Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist, talked about both insects during a vegetable training with Extension agents last week. “Right now, we’re worried about whiteflies building up. They’re very, …