BARRIER-APPROACH TECHNOLOGY TO PROTECT AGRICULTURAL PLANTS FROM CRAWLING INSECT PESTS

The infestation of crawling insect vermin can cause severe economic losses in citrus and other fruit and nut trees, nursery stock and ornamentals. The red imported fire ants (RIFA) in particular are responsible for damage and death of young citrus tree in the major U.S. citrus growing regions. RIFA freed on bark and cambium to obtain sap, girdling and often killing trees. Fire ants and other ants also tend a number of homopteran insects which can act as vectors for plant diseases. They will also frequently attack beneficial biocontrol organisms that prey on these homopteran insects. In the Phase I study, the TreeGuard protected young citrus trees from degradation by these ants and related pests for 18 months. Based on these results, this innovative application technology shows enormous commercial potential and will provide a more effective, economical and environmentally-acceptable solution than many currently used pest control methods. The Phase II research will focus on wide-scale field testing with young citrus trees under practical conditions in the major U.S. citrus-growing regions and evaluate TreeGuard's efficacy in other agricultural applications. Following Phase II testing, final enhancements will be made to prepare the TreeGuard for commercialization and high volume production in Phase III.