The Valencian Institute of Agricultural Research (IVIA) has started a research contract with the S.A.T. La Plana de Burriana company to evaluate the effect of metalized plastic covers on pest and disease management in citrus, including the Scirtothrips aurantii thrips.
© IVIA Photo: IVIA.
Alberto Urbaneja, a researcher at IVIA's Plant Protection and Biotechnology Center, stated that the Community of Valencia's citrus sector is being affected by the pressure of exotic pests that threaten the productivity and sustainability of the crops. "One of the most alarming is the thrips Scirtothrips aurantii, known as the South African citrus thrips, which causes significant damage to leaves, shoots, and fruits, affecting both quality and yields."
"Furthermore, the potential introduction of Diaphorina citri represents an imminent threat that could seriously compromise the economic viability of citrus growing in the Valencian Community," he added.
To deal with these challenges, and based on various international research projects, the IVIA will evaluate the effectiveness of metalized plastic covers in the integrated management of pests and diseases in citrus. It will also analyze the impact of these covers on the tree's growth and yields.
© IVIA Photo: IVIA.
These covers form a physical barrier that limits the direct access of insects that spend part of their cycle on the ground to the plants. It also disorients them, reducing the number of insects that land on the crops.
"Its reflective surface disorients insects during flight, interfering with their ability to locate and colonize host plants. This disruption is particularly effective, as the metalized covers reflect light in the visible spectrum and part of the ultraviolet from the ground, creating a visually confusing environment that significantly reduces the incidence of pests on the treated crops," the expert stressed.
In addition, metallic covers have positive effects on the crop's microclimate, promoting an increase in soil temperature and reducing water stress by improving moisture retention, which accelerates citrus growth and production.
© IVIA Photo: IVIA.
Alberto Urbaneja stressed that the effect of these covers has already been tested positively against other thrips and aphid species in the Valencian Community. In the long term, this strategy could help regulate the population of the vector that transmits HLB, he added. IVIA researchers in Florida have corroborated that the use of metalized plastics significantly reduces the pressure of Diaphorina citri and the incidence of HLB.
These trials are being carried out in two citrus fields of S.A.T. La Plana de Burriana in the province of Castellón. Both fields have four areas, each of which has a control crop without plastic, one with black plastic, and another with reflective plastic.
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