Volume Rate Adjustment for Pesticide Applications against Aonidiella aurantii in Citrus: Validation of CitrusVol in the Growers’ Practice

Aonidiella aurantii is one of the most damaging armored scales in citrus crops worldwide. To control this pest, high water volume rates are conventionally used. In order to rationalize pesticide applications citrus, IVIA developed CitrusVol, a tool that recommends optimal rate based on vegetation, pest or disease and active ingredient. study objectives were: (i) validate CitrusVol as adjust spray A. (ii) quantify its environmental economical advantages. For this, adjusted with was compared used by farmers 18 seven orchards during two years. The following parameters were evaluated: distribution canopy, males trapped per day, (iii) number fruit at harvest. reduced amount 35% average. Despite reduction, satisfactory achieved, found comparable way conventional volume. Moreover, saved application average 31.25 h/100 ha operating time, 241.83 L/100 fuel consumption consequently, reduction emissions CO2 631.18 kg/100 ha. Therefore, allows for efficient, low-input low-impact applications.