The 2012 ASHS Annual Conference

One of the major diseases affecting citrus production in Florida is Citrus Greening Disease (HLB), whose major vector is the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP, Diaphorina citri). This destructive disease has affected citrus crops in Florida, Mexico and Brazil.  The insect vector (ACP) has spread throughout Florida and Texas. Being that there is no cure for the bacterial disease HLB, many approaches have been made in order to repel and control ACP, from intensive chemical control programs to mechanical control.  Another approach that has shown effectiveness in sustaining production in infected orange orchards in Florida has included a nutritional management program using the ‘Maury Boyd cocktail’ that contains a combination of micro- and macro-nutrients. However, few studies have focused on nutrient management impacts on grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) production in relation to ACP control.  This study focuses on manipulating different micro- and macronutrients found in the Maury Boyd cocktail (i.e., potassium, calcium, etc.), and their effects on ACP populations.  Preliminary results have demonstrated positive results showing that calcium alone and in combination with other nutrients, has an impact on decreasing ACP populations in mature ‘Rio Red’ grapefruit trees.