The mite Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes, 1939) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) is one of the most important pests in Brazil citrus plantation, because it is the virus "Citrus Leprosis Virus" (CiLV) vector, one of the most serious citrus plantation diseases. The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the toxical effect of abamectin in the mite B. phoenicis. It was performed one direct action and three persistence action bioassays at the Acarology Laboratory from the Department of Plant Protection of FCAV/UNESP, in Jaboticabal, São Paulo state. In the bioassays it was used the completely randomized design, with 10 treatments repeated 7 times, and each sample composed by one orange fruit. The treatments performed (mL c.p./100 L) were: Acaramik at 20, 30, 40 and 50 mL; Vertimec at 30 and 40 mL; Abamectin Nortox at 30 and 40 mL; Tricofol at 77 mL and a control without application. It was used fruits with citrus scab. The fruits were washed and partially covered with paraffin, keeping a circular area over the top without being covered, which was surrounded with entomological glue for containing mites on it. It was transferred to each fruit 20 adult mites B. phoenicis. In the direct action bioassay, the transfer was made before product applications and, in the persistence action bioassays, at 5, 10 and 15 days after the product's application. The product's application over the fruits was performed by using the Potter Tower. This experiment demonstrated that the most efficient treatments were: Tricofol at 77 mL, Acaramik at 40 and 50 mL and Vertimec at 40 mL. Generally, the tested products can be used to control B. phoenicis.
Citrus leprosis; Chemical control; Integrated Pest Management
