Fundecitrus calls for more pesticides against leprosis mite

The Citrus Defense Fund (Fundecitrus) has expressed concern about the lack of pesticides for controlling the leprosis mite (Brevipalpus phoenicis). According to the association, which brings together Brazilian citrus growers and juice industries, the development of new technologies is urgently needed.

"We have few acaricides for leprosis mite control in citrus," said Fundecitrus researcher Renato Bassanesi, who stressed that the continuous use of the same acaricides leads to losses in their effectiveness due to the selection of resistant mites.

"Therefore, it is important for pesticide companies to understand the size of our citrus industry and the importance of leprosis, so they can develop new acaricides to assist in controlling this disease," he added.

Fundecitrus recently hosted a visit from representatives of the agrochemical companies, Gowan Brasil and Agro-Kanesho. Also attending the meeting was Daniel Júnior de Andrade, acarologist professor at the São Paulo State University (UNESP Jaboticabal).

Some of the representatives came from the US, Japan and South Korea, and closely observed the work carried out by the institution. Additionally, they sought to understand the potential of the citrus industry market, to decide whether to invest in the development of acaricides for controlling leprosis mite, a disease that causes significant losses to citrus growers.

Caused by the Citrus leprosis virus (CiLV) and transmitted by the Brevipalpus phoenicis mite, leprosis can cause production losses and reduce the lifespan of weakened trees. The disease affects tropical and subtropical regions and is restricted to the Americas. There are reported cases in South America (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia and Venezuela) and, more recently, in Central America (Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras), as well as in North America (Mexico).

In Brazil, leprosis was identified in 1933 in the state of São Paulo, where it occurs endemically. Leprosis control is based on measures to reduce the virus’ sources and the mite population. Research on natural enemies that effectively control the leprosis mite, such as Stethorus sp and Delphastus sp, is ongoing.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)