Abstract
Aphid control in Moroccan citrus orchards is based mainly on carbamate and neonicotinoid sprays, especially methomyl and imidacloprid. The extensive use of these insecticides may have side effects on natural enemies and environment quality and raises human health concerns. This research aimed to assess the control of aphids with insecticidal soap, kaolin and augmentative biological control using the indigenous predator Adalia decempunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). The insecticides were applied and the predators were released in April 2009 and 2010. Under field experimentation, the methomyl and imidacloprid foliar pulverization were very effective against aphids. In contrast, the insecticidal soap and kaolin application were less efficient while A. decempunctata adults were effective only in the first week after release. The side effects on beneficial insects were also assessed and discussed. The possibility of employing A. decempunctata in an integrated pest management package in citrus groves is discussed in relation to effectiveness and side effects on beneficial arthropods.
Highlights
In Morocco, the citrus industry plays a very important socio-economic role with a total acreage of approximately 105,000 ha and an estimated production of 1,500,000 tons per year
Five days after product application, the mean aphid density was significantly much lower in the methomyl treatment than in all others. This density was similar in the plots sprayed with insecticidal soap, kaolin and the untreated control
The mean aphid density was significantly lower in the insecticidal soap, kaolin and adalia/d1 treatments than in the untreated control
Summary
In Morocco, the citrus industry plays a very important socio-economic role with a total acreage of approximately 105,000 ha and an estimated production of 1,500,000 tons per year. The citrus industry provides an important source of foreign currency, amounting to approximately 0.27 billion euros per year (MAPM 2008). It generates important employment of about 21 million work-days per year including 12 million in orchards and 9 million in the packing and processing segments and many other related industries. The brown citrus aphid Toxoptera citricida Kirkaldy (Hemiptera: Aphididae), which is a major citrus aphid pest in the northern part of the Mediterranean zone, mainly in Portugal and Spain (Nieto-Nafría et al 2005; EPPO 2006; Ilharco and Sousa-Silva 2009), currently does not exist in Morocco. The two species T. citricida and A. gossypii are the main vector of CTV (Citrus tristeza closterovirus (Closterovirus: Closteroviridae) (EPPO 2004; Nieto-Nafría et al 2005). A. spiraecola and T. aurantii can to a lesser extent, be CTV vectors (Yokomi & Garnsey 1987)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
