Methods of biological control of Phyllocnistis citrella in citrus are inefficient and chemical control is limited to a few options. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficiency of systemic insecticides to control Oncometopia facialis (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), and Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in citrus plant. The tests was performed enclosing the insects on branches, using five adults of O. facialis per plants. The citrus leaf miner were assessed on three new branches per plant, and for aphids, the number of infested branches was quantified. The insecticides acephate Pellet 970, vamidothion CE 300, monocrotophos CE 400, acetamiprid PM e SL, and imidacloprid SL were efficient to control O. facialis, however with different residual periods, ranging from 12 to 104 days. Acetamiprid SL (1.0 g a.i./plant) and imidacloprid were the most efficient. All tested insecticides were efficient to control T. citricida and P. citrella, except acetamiprid PM (0.4 and 0.6 g a.i./plant). Acetamiprid and imidacloprid showed a period for citrus leaf miner control greater than 42 days.
Citrus sinensis; Cicadellidae; Gracillariidae; Aphididae; chemical control