Sustainable control of vector of HLB in Family Farming

Executive Summary

HLB (Huanglongbing) is the most destructive citrus disease in the world caused by a bacterium (Candidatus Liberibacter spp). The disease dispersal dynamics respond to the transfer of diseased plant material and the presence of the vector (Diaphorina citri) as a dissemination agent. Since there is no cure yet, prevention is based on the use of healthy material, constant monitoring of crops and vector insect, its control and early identification of the infected plant and its elimination is a key factor.

IVector insect is present in all the four countries within project platform, the disease has been first detected in 2012 in Argentina, 2013 in Paraguay and in December 2022 in Uruguay. In Bolivia there is still no record of the disease, but vector is present. Current platform's research and development institutions promote the implementation of integrated pest and disease management (IPM); however, control of pests and diseases by calendar continues to prevail through routine applications of non-selective agrochemicals that generate risks and damage to the environment, the beneficial entomofauna, farmers and workers, producer families and  general population.

The proposal aims to adapt, disseminate and raise awareness of IPM technology in the control of the citrus HLB vector in family farming (AF) Main  proposal aims  to adapt, disseminate and raise awareness of IPM technology effectiveness in  HLB vector of citrus control, in family farming (FA). Through all the above it is expected activities will contribute to productivity enhancement among target population which comprises more than 220 thousand ha of citrus and 6,000 family farmers, and prevent from millionaire losses that other countries in America and other continents have suffered and/or are currently suffering since the disease is known.

The project is organized into four components: 1. Control of the HLB vector in a context of local adaptation of integrated management, through the installation of 17 demonstrator (LD) and conventional (LC) lots in family producer establishments; 2. Training farmers and other technicians in the related field,(including training for new certified monitors), communication and  rising social awareness; 3. Monitoring of sustainability, quality and economic analysis in ML and LC; and 4. Collective management of innovation. 

The technological solution

• Locally adapt integrated pest management (IPM) technology in citrus family farming focusing in the control of the HLB vector, by applying methodical monitoring practices, using safe products preserving the natural balance and use of bioinputs.
• Train and teach family growers, professionals and other actors in the citrus sector about HLB, its vector and natural enemies. Implement new local innovation networks.
• Monitor impact on sustainability, fruit quality and economic outcomes among FA adopting IPM techniques in order to contribute to innovation processes at all levels.

Results

Beneficiaries

Target population are 3000 family farmers which produce citrus, a myriad of  organizations (cooperatives, consortiums and associations), 250 professionals and 200 trained monitors, 200 agro technical school students, residents of 20 municipalities in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia.

Indirect beneficiaries are 3,000 family producers, the citrus sector as a whole and consumers in the four countries.

Sustainable Development Goals

Main donors

Dissemination products