Prevention and control of HLB in family citriculture

In order to scale up integrated pest management (IPM), with a focus on the Huanglongbing vector (HLB), demonstration lots are installed in family citrus farms in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia

Context of the story

Huanglongbing (HLB) is the most important disease in citrus farming worldwide. Prevention is based on use of healthy material, monitoring of culture and vector insect (Diaphorina citri) control and elimination of ill plants (rooting).
Citrus production is characterized by small family owned units, in which pests and diseases monitoring is not common. Control prevails through routine applications of non-selective agrochemicals that cause risks and damage to the environment, the beneficial entomofauna and general population. Since 2012, the disease has been registered in Argentina and in 2013 in Paraguay.

Scale up integrated pest management with focus on the HLB vector in family citrus farming

The implemented initiative

To adapt and disseminate IPM technology in HLB vector control in FA, through a collective innovation management approach based on demonstration lots, training and communication, enhance social awareness, sustainability and fruit quality monitoring, economic analysis among lots. Funded by FONTAGRO, INTA / Fundación ArgenINTA (Argentina), INIA (Uruguay), UNI / FundUNI (Paraguay), Municipal Autonomous Government of Bermejo (Bolivia) take active part in the project. SENASA and FEDERCITRUS (Argentina) and UPEFRUY (Uruguay) act as Associated Organizations in project implementation.

HLB citrus vector control in integrated pest management (IPM) context

The technological solution

Local adaptation of integrated pest management (IPM) technology in demonstration lots (LD) located in FA units- chosen in a participatory way with local actors - with focus on controlling the HLB (Diaphorina citri) vector, through monitoring practices, use of safe products that preserve the natural balance and use of natural enemies (Tamarixia radiata, crispidae). Monitoring allows activating an alert system hosted in a free access web portal, (smartphone friendly) developed for FA and other actors. Training: certified IPM monitors; producer families, professionals and operators. Social awareness enhancement through dissertation in communities. Robust Communication strategy. Impact monitoring of the implementation of the IPM in lots: sustainability (AMBITEC-AGRO), effects on fruit quality (MEF, others) and economic-financial analysis. Collective innovation management is promoted as an approach to IPM scale up.

Participatory method for the selection of 16 demonstration lots in citrus family farming units

Participative workshop in El Colorado, Formosa, Argentina - August 29th 2019

Participating countries

Type of project

Results

- 16 demonstration lots (LD) implementing integrated pest and disease management (IPM) installed with 16 conventional lots (LC) in family farming units.
- 141 monitoring activities held regarding pests and diseases control in LD and LC.
- 3 agreed protocols: Selection of LD in FA; Pest monitoring; Field notebook.
- Biological control in lots in Bella Vista, Corrientes, Argentina. Release of Tamarixia radiata.
- Early alert system prototype: BioTic INTA - Fontagro HLB free access web portal / smartphone.
- 31 socialization workshops and participatory selection of LDs. 591 attendees.
- 28 training sessions (534 trained in vector and symptoms identification and phytosanitary evaluation methodology.