Abstract
Microirrigation, either by drip or microsprinkler emitters, is the most common method of irrigation for citrus inFlorida. Research and experience have shown that insects can substantially increase the costs of operating and maintainingmicroirrigation systems in Florida. Ants that enter the system when it is not in use and clog emitters when the system ispressurized are one of the biggest maintenance challenges. Emitters with orifice diameters less than 1.0 mm are prone tosignificantly higher clogging rates than emitters with larger orifice diameters. In addition, ants and other insects can createstructural damage to tubing and emitter components and make the them nonfunctional. Larvae of Selensia sueroides canbore holes in spaghetti tubing to pupate, often requiring substantial replacement of components to make the system functionalagain. Control of host weeds and Teflonsprays may minimize the damage. Ant foraging activity can severely damage siliconediaphragms and plastic components of emitters in addition to polyethylene tubing. Investigations of antdamaged emitterscompared to new drip emitters showed a 10% reduction in mass of diaphragms, 17% reduction in mass of emitter bodies, anda 13% increase in orifice area attributed to ant activity. In order to minimize costs, weed and insect control need to be anessential part of the overall maintenance program for microirrigation systems.
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