Battling Citrus Diseases with Diversified Solutions: How Brazil Leads the World

Over the past 30 years, global citrus production has continued to steadily increase, now reaching over 130 million tonnes, representing an approximate 125% growth. This significant expansion can be attributed to the widespread adoption of effective pesticides, which have helped boost both yield and quality.

On April 19, 2023, members of the World Citrus Organisation (WCO) gathered for the fourth Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the organisation. During the AGM, preliminary forecasts for the upcoming Southern Hemisphere citrus season were presented to representatives from major citrusproducing countries in South America, Africa and Oceania. Citrus production is projected to decrease 2.02% from last year to around 223 million tonnes. However, exports are still expected to rise 2.32% compared to 2022, reaching nearly 37 million tonnes. Meanwhile, approximately 132 million tonnes of citrus are predicted to be processed, marking an 8.32% increase over 2021. The continued growth in processing highlights the importance of pesticides in meeting rising demand.

The country that exports the most citrus in the world – Brazil

Background

Brazil is the undisputed leader in orange juice production globally. Nearly 35% of all oranges produced worldwide come from Brazil. It leads major producing countries like the United States, Mexico, China, and the European Union, accounting for over half of all orange juice distributed worldwide.

The widespread use of pesticides in Brazil's citrus belt has enabled such commanding dominance in production. However, persistent disease threats require ongoing pesticide innovation and application.

The initial 2023-2024 orange forecast for Brazil's citrus belt is 309.34 million boxes, announced on May 10 by Fundecitrus and its partners. This projected volume is 1.55% less than last year's record 314.21 million boxes.

While weather conditions are favorable, with rainfall 50% above historical averages, Asian citrus psyllid populations and citrus greening disease continue to rise in Brazil. Practical pesticide application remains essential to maximize production under these mounting pressures.

History of Combating Citrus Diseases

Around 1990, Brazilian orange farmers began noticing their trees wilting - branches were not getting the needed water, forcing severe pruning to save the trees.

The disease, Citrus Variegated Chlorosis (CVC), is caused by the Xylella fastidiosa bacteria. Scientists have yet to find a way to eradicate this bacteria completely. As a result, farmers can only manage CVC symptoms by pruning, greenhouse propagation, and controlling insect carriers such as sharpshooters.

An ongoing drought further exacerbates the situation, stunting orange tree growth with implications for the global orange juice supply.

According to 2022 surveys by Fundecitrus, nearly 50 million trees in Sao Paulo and Minas Gerais show citrus greening disease - a 9% increase over 2021. However, including eradicated trees, infection rates likely reach 27.5%.

Ideal weather and high grove density have enabled the proliferation of the psyllid insect that spreads greening bacteria. Inadequate pesticide applications, including repetitive use of the same pesticides, insufficient spray intervals, and insufficient sprays in mature, dense groves, have also contributed to the outbreak.

Farmers must implement integrated pest management utilizing judicious pesticide rotation and application to curb this growing threat. Innovative pesticide solutions will also be vital to overcoming these evolving crop challenges.

ProteCitrus

ProteCitrus is a voluntary program for the Brazilian citrus industry that helps producers understand pesticide regulations domestically and in major global orange juice importers.

The program maintains a positive list of approved active ingredients that meet requirements in key export markets while anticipating international regulatory trends.

By aligning grower practices with government and client demands, ProteCitrus enables production to meet global food needs with minimal environmental impact, promoting sustainability in the Brazilian citrus sector.

ProteCitrus updates its recommended citrus pesticide list approximately every four months to support continual improvement. AgroPages will organize and classify the list, interviewing companies that have added products in the past three years to showcase innovation advancing Brazilian citrus in recent years for readers worldwide. This highlights the vital role of new pesticide solutions in overcoming ongoing crop protection challenges in a conservation-focused market.

Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Pest Management in Brazilian Citrus Production

Rafael Pons                 Cristiano Figueiredo       Rodrigo Leão             Alberto Massanori       Marco Antonio Guzzela

Fruit and Vegetable           Chief Commercial Officer        General Manager               CEO at TIDE Brasil                Commercial Manager

PortfolioLeader for            at UPL Brazil                             at CropChem                                                                   at CHD's do Brasil

Corteva Agriscience

Brazil and Paraguay

Your company has products in the last three years which have been included in the recommended pesticide list of the Brazilian Citrus Conservation Association. Could you introduce some products from the list?

Rafael Pons: Corteva Agriscience is a company that researches and develops solutions to help farmers in their daily farming activities. For citrus growing in Brazil, in 2021, the Delegate® insecticide leaflet was expanded to more than 70 horticultural crops, including citrus. Delegate® offers versatility and ease, as it fights some of the principal citrus pests and controls 75 different insects in other crops. Composed of the Jemvelva™ Active molecule, the insecticide belongs to the chemical group of Spinosyns. It has high shock power, a broad spectrum of control, prolonged residual effect, selectivity and shorter safety interval. Delegate® is also recognized as one of the world’s most innovative and sustainable technologies, having won the green chemistry award, endorsed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Another Corteva innovation for citrus farming is the Success® 0.02 CB insecticide. The solution is a concentrated bait, indicated for the control of several species of flies of the Tephritidae family. In citrus farming, the solution is effective against the West Indian Fly, the Mediterranean Fly and the Carambola Fly. Success® 0.02 CB is certified by IBD, a product grown without chemical and transgenic substances in compliance with health, environmental and labor laws.

Corteva's two leading solutions for Citrus in Brazil have been approved and registered by regulatory bodies.

Cristiano Figueiredo: In the past three years, UPL has launched several products for citrus, with a highlight being the insecticide Sperto®, targeting the psyllid that affects citrus cultivation. This insecticide is well-recognized in the market, featuring a broad-spectrum control technology that provides excellent shock and residual effects. Another product is the herbicide TRUNFO, which manages difficult-to-control weeds and some that are glyphosateresistant, such as the Sourgrass (Digitaria insularis). It is also the most concentrated product in its category. The insecticide SHENZI is designed for controlling the Citrus Fruit Borer (Ecdytolopha aurantiana), while the soil conditioner UPDT is composed of an organic polymer that releases moisture to the crops, ensuring hydration as needed and promotes optimal productivity. It also enhances oxygenation and water supply, being environmentally safe and supporting plant survival during stressful sowing periods.

Rodrigo Leão: Actually, CropChem is an agricultural pesticide company that commits to investing around 10% of its revenue in research and development. This investment yields a complete portfolio, encompassing solutions for the Brazilian farmers’ main challenges. As a crucial crop for the country's agribusiness, Citrus is a core element of CropChem's strategic planning. Thus, these three products launched in the last three years are here to complement the array of solutions we already offer.

Abadin 72 EC and Mantis 400 WG, both with the active ingredient Abamectin, are contact and ingestion insecticides and acaricides primarily used for mite control. They act on the insect's nervous system, leading totheir demise. Bitrin 100 EC, featuring the active ingredient Bifenthrin, is a CropChem insecticide characterized by its shock effect, swiftly eliminating pests and ensuring a clean orchard.

Our organophosphate, Kantor 1000 EC, contains the active ingredient Malathion. It is a contact and ingestion insecticide that manages the main citrus pests. This product is essential for managing adult insects and is a pillar of Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

Taura 200 EC is a physiological insecticide that also holds significance in IPM. With the active ingredient Pyriproxyfen, it manages certain insects in their juvenile stage. Another physiological insecticide by CropChem is Zutron 250 WP, with the active ingredient Diflubenzuron. It targets juvenile stages of the Citrus Fruit Borer (Ecdytolopha aurantiana), a major concern for Brazilian farmers due to early fruit drop, severely complicating commercialization.

Our non-selective herbicide is Gli-Up 720 WG, effectively controlling a wide range of invasive plants in agriculture. It has broadspectrum properties and can be mixed with others for cost-effective and efficient management.

Regarding fungicides, we can highlight Sevare. It is a systemic product from the triazole chemical group containing the active ingredient Difenoconazole. Sevare is characterized by its fast curative action and high residual effect when applied to plants. These are some of CropChem's solutions for the citrus industry, all registered in ProteCitrus, a requirement for marketing agricultural pesticides for citrus in Brazil.

Alberto Massanori: TIDE Brasil has been developing sustainable solutions to help citrus growers in their challenges. I want to highlight Primum insecticide (Malathion) to control the psyllid Diaphorini citri, and Yazi - Diflubenzurom to control Ecdytolopha aurantiana. Tide also offer Abamectin Prentiss, recommended for controlling citrus rust mites and a portfolio of solutions of herbicides.

Marco Antonio Guzzela: I choose the Erradik (Difeconazole) Control of Verrugosis and Colletotricum; in this case, we substitute copper applications, and gain in cost and to the environment. In addition, the Citrus crop will not have more copper accumulation in the soil.

Are there any special needs or trends in the citrus planting process, such as a preference for organic or green agriculture?

Rodrigo Leão: There is indeed a market for organic and sustainable foods in Brazil. However, when it comes to effectively feeding the population, we must utilize available technologies. Citrus is an essential component of a healthy diet, rich in vitamins C, A, and B complex. Additionally, it contains vital minerals like calcium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, and iron. In this context, citrus must arrive on Brazilian tables with quality and robust nutritional value. Agricultural pesticides are fundamental in achieving this goal, allowing efficient control of diseases, pests, and weeds during cultivation.

On the other hand, Brazil is the world's leading orange producer and the largest exporter of orange juice, reaching over 1 million tons in the 2022/2023 harvest, for instance. Correct use of agrochemicals guarantees the viability and productivity of this crop.

We will always have high-quality and safe crops, but for this it is necessary to consult an Agronomist, and employing agricultural pesticides within legal guidelines is necessary so that this continues to happen.

Rafael Pons: The citrus market in Brazil has been undergoing many transformations, the main one being the management of insecticide resistance to the psyllid, one of the main pests that compromise the crop. Producers are looking for alternatives for control, with chemical control being the primary tool for managing this pest. Corteva already has tools, new technologies and molecules that provide better resistance management, such as the previously mentioned Delegate® insecticide.

Regarding green agriculture, Delegate® is recognized as one of the world’s most innovative and sustainable technologies, having won the Green Chemistry Award, sponsored by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). For Citrus, Corteva still has the insecticides Success® and Trace®, which have the IBD and Green Chemistry seal.

Alberto Massanori: Given the global demand for responsible food production, one of the leading global challenges is to produce food while preserving the environment. The path is through sustainable development, which calls for increased production combined with the protection of ecosystems.

The sustainable development of Brazilian citriculture represents the preservation of an activity that delivers quality food and wellbeing to consumers in different markets worldwide. It encourages environmental protection by reducing water use and through the rational use of inputs, protecting pollinators and other beneficial organisms, and promoting practices for improving yield, quality and longevity.

Marco Antonio Guzzela: I do not appreciate biological products for citrus other than the ferret bug. The applications shall be anticipated assertively, and it takes time for the product to take effect. This time may prove expensive, for example, in the case of a leprosy mite. Chopped fruit falls off the stalk, and chopped branches do not produce the following year. I like the conventional.

Cristiano Figueiredo: Due to the existing pests in citrus cultivation, conducting an orchard organically or using green farming practices is nearly impossible. We still need more biological products capable of effectively managing citrus crops.

What do you think is the most severe plague for citrus? What is the current solution? How effective is the solution?

Alberto Massanori: The HLB is the most devastating disease in the world citrus industry, making its cultivation unfeasible in several countries. Despite important advances and efforts in Brazil, the disease continues to advance putting our citriculture at risk. In this sense, searching for control measures and preventing disease expansion in Brazilian territory is considered a primordial challenge.

Pests are a significant challenge for growing citrus, and, to ensure the productivity and quality of citrus orchards, constant monitoring of orchards is essential for effective control. Although numerous pests can affect the crop, the main ones, which can still be vectors of important diseases that limit production, include: Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri); Citrus rust mite (Phyllocoptruta oleivora); Citrus leaf miner (Phyllocnistis citrella). These three stand out in production orchards and can make them economically unfeasible.

Therefore, in addition to identifying its presence, it is important to know how to prevent it so that, in addition to pests, orchards are not affected by diseases, causing significant damage to the producer and the longevity of the orchard.

Weeds are considered the most limiting biotic factor to world agricultural production, and in citrus, how they coexisted at the same time and space with culture for several years. There are fewer control options compared to annual crops, where the control is often done at cultivation intervals and/or by using resistant cultivars.

Weeds of the climbing type, such as species with an annual cycle, primarily the morning glory (Ipomoea spp.), jetirana (Merremia spp.), watermelon (Momordica spp.), and those with a simple perennial cycle, known as lianas, such as the wild grape (Cissus verticillata), among others, are among the difficultto-manage problematic weeds in citrus growing. Its climbing growth habit does not cause competition for essential growth factors; it also reduces crop yields and may lead an adult plant to death.

Rodrigo Leão: It is challenging to reach a consensus on Brazil’s most dangerous pest, disease, or weed. The country's diverse climates and soils directly impact the behavior of these factors. For instance, a pest that concerns farmers in the Southern region might not be the same for those in the Midwest. This is precisely why CropChem invests in research and development, aiming to offer a complete portfolio to all Brazilian farmers.

We can point out key weeds such as Sourgrass (Digitaria insularis), Morning Glory (Ibomoea grandifolia, Ipomoea indivisa), Wandering Jew (Commelina benghalensis), and Hairy Fleabane (Conyza bonariensis). CropChem presents solutions such as Irado 800 WG, Panzer Max, Panzer Duo and Gli-Up 720 WG, three herbicides containing the active ingredients Diuron, ChlorimuromEthyl, Flumioxazin + ChlorimuromEthyl and Glyphosate, respectively. These products are allies in managing weeds within the production system.

Regarding pests, the Citrus Fruit Borer (Ecdytolopha aurantiana) stands out. It was responsible for prematurely dropping of 5.63% of oranges in the 2021/2022 season. Recognizing its significant impact on Brazilian farmers, we have four registered insecticides targeting the Citrus Fruit Borer. Bitrin 100 EC, an insecticide with Bifenthrin as the active ingredient; Kantor 1000 EC, containing Malathion; Kraton 100 EC, featuring Lufenuron; and Zutron, containing Diflubenzuron. Other pests like Psyllids and Fruit Flies are also persistent challenges for Brazilian farmers, and CropChem provides practical solutions for their management.

As for citrus diseases, one of the major concerns is Citrus Black Spot (Phyllosticta citricarpa). We offer Livenko 500 SC, a fungicide with the active ingredient Thiophanate-methyl, and Kasan 800 WP, our Mancozeb – both with distinct mechanisms of action. Sweet Orange Scab (Elsinoe australis) is also worrisome; for this, we have both Kasan 800 WP and Sevare 250 EC, our Difenoconazole. Beyond these diseases, farmers might encounter Citrus Greening and Citrus Canker (Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. Citri). All these solutions effectively manage weeds, pests, and diseases in citrus. However, farmers must remain attentive, obtaining healthy and reliable seedlings, adhering to proper product rotation, and implementing adequate orchard and nutritional management.

Rafael Pons: Evaluating Brazilian crops, we see the incidence of Greening disease caused by the psyllid. The best management to control the psyllid is the application of insecticides from planting to the adult phase of the crop. Currently, the resistance of this pest to insecticides with Pyrethroid and Neonicotinoid molecules is already confirmed in Brazil. Control is getting more complex every day. Therefore, adopting asset rotation management strategies with new molecules is indispensable for controling of this vector and the sustainability of citriculture.

Cristiano Figueiredo: The primary disease affecting citrus today is Greening, also known as Huanglongbing, caused by the bacterium Candidatus liberibacter. Currently, there are no solutions to control this bacterium effectively. Instead, numerous applications of insecticides are conducted to target the psyllid, which serves as the vector/transmitter of this severe disease. This psyllid is wreaking havoc on Brazilian orchards and is barely 2 millimeters long.

Marco Antonio Guzzela: In the case of insects, the most serious is Psyllidae which transmits the Greening, the most serious disease of the last 15 years. And the weed plant is Trapoeraba, because it is a hard-tocontrol weed.

How do Brazilian farmers accept new pesticide products? What aspects do they value more? Which is more critical -price or performance?

Rodrigo Leão: Given Brazil's diversity in climate and soil, cultivating the same crop in different regions necessitates varying approaches. Moreover, new challenges arise from season to season. Hence, farmers are receptive to new agricultural pesticides that aid in management and ensure consistent yields as long as studies back these products and demonstrate results in trials.

To maintain Brazil's current production levels and continue progressing, it is crucial to invest in Research and Development, ensuring new technologies are accessible to farmers. This principle guides CropChem's business, keeping us focused on developing solutions that make sense for Brazilian farmers. They possess deep field knowledge and a strong grasp of agribusiness, and understand the importance of staying updated, betting on pesticides with cost benefit.

Rafael Pons: Brazilian producers positively accept new technologies to help them with the challenges of agriculture. They are a reference in adopting new technologies, mainly in the path of sustainability, not only in crop protection products, but also in innovative practices. They work, research and invest in an increasingly innovative production. In pesticides, the farmer values products that bring quick action against diseases and pests, including the psyllid, which affects Brazilian crops. Another point is the prolonged residual. In addition to the solution’s performance, the producer seeks performance as long as it fits into the estimated production cost for the crop.

Cristiano Figueiredo: Brazilian farmers are eager for new defenses in citrus cultivation, especially those targeting serious problems like the Psyllid/Greening (Candidatus liberibacter), Leprosis Mite (Brevipalpus yothersis), and Citrus Canker (Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. Citri). The most valued aspects are products that demonstrate high efficiency while remaining safe for humans and the environment.

Marco Antonio Guzzela: Regarding new products, they are always welcome, as Citro’s culture has lost more than gained new registrations. And about price and performance, the citrus grower indeed opts for performance. This is for all the operations involved in the application and the product's effectiveness of the target.

Alberto Massanori: The Brazilian farmers desire new solutions. The experience of large-scale tropical agriculture developed in Brazil has succeeded due to the innovative and creative characteristics of Brazilian agriculture professionals and farmers. Brazilian agriculture wants agrochemicals that deliver the correct balance between performance and price.

Will Brazilian farmers use different agricultural inputs or change corresponding agricultural operations due to price fluctuations in citrus?

Cristiano Figueiredo: When there's a fluctuation in citrus prices, growers tend to reduce fertilizer usage and opt for more affordable generic pesticides. However, they continue to maintain their orchards.

Rodrigo Leão: Absolutely. Farmers, apart from being rural producers, are managers of their businesses. To ensure the continuity of the supply chain, they must closely monitor the market, understand indicators, seek opportunities, and adapt to new realities. This is essential to meet market demands by offering products in demand, all while maintaining sustainable businesses.

Alberto Massanori: The trend is that if the price of citrus is low, citrus growers look for cheaper solutions to increase their company's final profitability. On the contrary, if the price is high, citrus growers tend to invest more in their orchards, seeking greater productivity and, consequently, greater profitability.

Marco Antonio Guzzela: At present, in citrus culture, several molecules are used due to the number of insects and mites in an adult orchard and the turnover of molecules so as not to cause resistance.

Rafael Pons: In Brazil, crop management is always aligned with the costs contracted of the industry. Fluctuations in citrus prices drive the use of products that avoid direct damage to the crop, as in the case of Fruit Fly.

What are the biggest challenges and opportunities for Brazilian citrus in the future?

Alberto Massanori: The great difficulty of Brazilian citriculture is in the field: of managing to produce fruits that meet the domestic market's requirements and arouse more and more, interest of the foreign market.

The Brazilian consumer has demanded more and more fruit quality in terms of skin and caliber. It won’t be bought if the fruit has a little more stain. If the fruit is too small, it will not be purchased either. This requires extensive classification and disposal in the packing house and, consequently, a waste of fruit.

In most packing houses, selection takes place, and the fruit not intended for the fresh market is sent to the juice industry. This ends up reducing the final remuneration of the product.

Unlike what we consume in Brazil, the foreign market prefers smaller, seedless fruits. Therefore, finding a balance between the demands of these two markets is a difficult task.

To complicate matters, our seasons are not well defined, contributing to problems with diseases in the various stages of production and more difficulty presenting a product without stains and standardized in size.

Today, Greening puts the success of a plantation at risk. This serious disease has already forced many rural producers to leave citriculture. We need to make a solid effort to fight the disease, which requires action from the public and private sectors. Regional management practices have proven to be an important form of disease control, with actions inside and outside the gate.

Another important point is the appreciation of our products. We have to fight for a better price per box, and we also need to encourage the internal consumption of oranges and tangerines, not only in the form of juice, but mainly in natura.

Rodrigo Leão: The primary challenge in citrus cultivation mirrors Brazil's broader agricultural challenge: promoting modernization and skill-building in rural production with efficiency and sustainability. This modernization is cyclical and never-ending; it is a process that must persist continually.

Furthermore, investing in the export of manufactured citrus products holds significant potential. Exporting finished products instead of raw materials is far more profitable for Brazilian agribusiness and the nation, as it adds value to the entire production chain, generates employment, and stimulates the economy. Citrus cultivation has substantial potential for further expansion in this direction.

Lastly, seeking new markets for products derived from citrus cultivation, both domestically and globally, is essential. Staying alert to emerging opportunities is the key to success in any business.

Marco Antonio Guzzela: One of the biggest challenges in the crop today is the effective control of the psyllid insect, which transmits greening, a disease that makes small, medium, and large orchards unfeasible. Control is becoming impossible; many citrus growers are migrating from traditional citrus regions at a very high cost. And an opportunity would be the arrival of an acaricide for the leprosy mite, as we lost many records, which continues to be the main cost of an orchard.

Rafael Pons: The biggest challenge for Brazilian citriculture is to manage to control Greening's disease without the need to migrate production areas. The foremost opportunity would be to maintain the citrus area, as it is a continental country with a favorable climate for the crop, supplying the growing world demand for orange juice.

Cristiano Figueiredo: Presently, the greatest challenge is managing Greening, through products or genetically modified plants. Another significant concern is labor shortage, particularly for harvesting, as no machines can perform this operation.

This article was initially published in AgroPages' '2023 Latin America Focus' magazine.