Sustainable control of the HLB vector insect in family citrus farming

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, no cure so far. 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. The vector insect is present in all four countries.

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.

Development of an early alert system for pests and diseases based on monitoring data from FONTAGRO s Demonstration lots

Useful for growers in decision-making processes Access through smartphones and linked to the BioTic INTA-Fontagro HLB training web portal.

Participating countries

Type of project

Agronomic Practices

Results

- 16 demonstration lots (DL) with integrated pest and disease management (IPM) strategies ; 16 conventional lots (LC) in family establishments.
- 366 monitoring of pests and diseases carried out in DL and CL.
- 3 agreed protocols: Selection of DL in FA; pest monitoring; field notebook.
- 13 annual monitoring and IPM strategies reports.
- 2 Biological control in Fontagro lots: Release of Tamarixia radiata at Bella Vista, Corrientes, Argentina and Salto, Uruguay.
- 31 socialization and DL participatory selection workshops . 591 attendees.
- 711 trained in vector identification, disease symptoms and other pests and diseases.
- 1 Early Alert system through smartphones linked to the BioTic INTA - Fontagro HLB portal.
- 1 Virtual course for monitors (launching August 2021).
- 1 HLB and vector insect handbook for family citrus growers (in edition).
- Gender: 86 female citrus growers trained; 42 female researchers involved in the Project.