Timing of Temik and Movento applications to orange trees for control of Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) Diaphorina citri

ACP is a serious pest of citrus in nearly all major citrus producing regions of the world due to its ability to efficiently vector the causal agent of citrus greening disease (also known as huanglongbing or HLB). Control of ACP is critical in slowing disease spread and limiting impacts of HLB on the citrus industry. Insecticidal sprays are an important cornerstone of ACP management and timing of applications can be critical for optimal effectiveness. Aldicarb (Temik) and spirotetramat (Movento) are systemic insecticides used to control ACP by soil and foliar application, respectively. We compared two timings of Temik with and without Movento and a standard February application of a pyrethroid, fenpropathrin (Danitol). ACP populations were monitored using the tap method once every two weeks through the spring and summer growing seasons. The standard dormant season spray controlled populations for four months into the growing season. All Temik and Movento treatments performed equally well and provided several more months of extended control than the standard.