Beneficial microorganisms are becoming increasingly important in the biological control of citrus pests, as a complement to the release of auxiliary insects. Proof of this is the research carried out by Koppert Spain, which aims to confirm the efficacy of an entomopathogenic fungus that could help control Trioza erytreae, one of the insects that transmits huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening. “Koppert’s objective is to develop a biological solution that may be available to producers if the insect that transmits the HLB arrived in Spain,” said Javier Calvo, researching entomologist at Koppert, in the framework of a Citrus Technical Conference held in El Rompido (province of Huelva) and Palma del Río (province of Cordoba).
This research is part of a European project in which Koppert Spain is taking part with a consortium of companies and research centers in different countries. The R&D department of Koppert Spain is working with several entomopathogenic fungi that, in addition to the control of Trioza erytreae, could be effective against other common citrus pests, such as aphids, red spiders, the cochineal and thrips.
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