Through support from the USDA Huanglongbing Multi-Agency Coordination Group (HLB-MAC) the Citrus Research Board (CRB) is initiating a California focused Citrus Research and Field Trials (CA-CRaFT) project. The overarching goal of CA-CRaFT is to demonstrate the effects of additional mitigations on Asian citrus psyllid control within commercial citrus groves across the various citrus growing regions in California. This project will measure psyllid levels within treated groves as a year-by-year measurement and relative to the regional psyllid levels. The additional mitigations are expected to help reduce psyllid populations and inform growers of best practices. The project results will be shared on a regional, statewide, and national basis.
To be considered for the program, growers should be actively following current UC IPM guidelines and interested in working with the CRB to test the effect of additional psyllid control methods
Producers may choose one or more of the following mitigations:
Preventative Mitigations
- Barrier mesh fencing
- Living windbreaks
- Trap crops
Threshold-based Mitigations
- Biological control agent releases
- Pesticide treatments (border sprays, psyllid repellents, ant control)
Priority will be given to CA citrus groves with ongoing psyllid pressures and/or in proximity to major psyllid risk factors (i.e., transportation corridors, residential areas).
Compensation will be provided based on mitigations adopted.
Informational webinars will be held on September 8 and September 14, 2022. To learn more and register, please click on the respective links below.
Submit the application BELOW no later than October 1, 2022.
