Phenology and management of the citrus leafminer Phyllocnistis citrella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) in southwest Florida citrus

The citrus leafminer moth, Phyllocnistic citrella Stainton causes damage to leaves by larval mining and leads to reduction in photosynthetic capacity, malformation of leaves, and increased susceptibility to the Asiatic citrus canker pathogen, Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri. To describe the seasonal flight and monitor the effect of various insecticide treatments and applications throughout the growing season, pheromone traps baited with citrus leafminer lures were set out in spring 2011 at two Valencia and one Hamlin orange groves. An early March spray of Intrepid 2F, application of insecticides directly following peak flights, and comparison of aerial to ground sprays were used to evaluate effects of timing and application method on leafminer populations. Differences between treatments were assessed by sampling leaf damage using a modified Horsfall and Barratt rating system and monitoring cumulative moth flight counts.