Extension Model to Improve Asian Ctrus Psyllid Control in Citrus Health Management Areas (CHMAs)

Abstract

Citrus health management areas (CHMAs) have been implemented throughout Florida to provide regional coordination to manage Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) and spread of HLB.  The Gulf CHMA is going into its 5th season of cooperative action toward these goals.  During the fourth (2011-2012) season we began providing GULF CHMA updates and interactive maps from CHRP data available on the CHMA website www.flchma.com, showing ACP levels and 'hot spots' (i.e. tap samples > 21 ACP for 3 consecutive cycles) on our website, www.imok.ufl.edu.   The ring color of the proportional circle map designates the cycle, and the ring size the number of A adults per 50 taps.  The largest ring represents psyllid numbers of 21 or greater.  The map is readable by anyone with Adobe Reader, and it allows you to click on and off different cycle layers and view data for Cycle #, Cycle Date, County Name, and ACP # thus allowing comparison between two or more sets of data simultaneously and spatially.  This project includes development and testing of a smart phone spray app for use by growers and consultants.  The insecticide spray data will be converted to a map layer that overlays the Gulf CHMA psyllid counts to determine which growers may need help and what chemicals appear to be failing -- a precursor to predicting ACP resistance.  We expect to build better working relationships with the growers by offering individual support of their economic efforts, ACP management, and HLB control.