EVALUATION OF PETROLEUM SPRAY OILS AND POLYSACCHARIDES FOR CONTROL OFPHYLLOCNISTIS-CITRELLA STAINTON (LEPIDOPTERA, GRACILLARIIDAE)

An experiment to determine the efficacy of sprays containing polysacch arides (0.025-0.2 g/L water) and/or petroleum spray oil (1.25-10 mL/L water) for control of citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella, unequi vocally demonstrated that oil sprays suppress the number of mines/leaf . Oil concentrations greater than or equal to 2.5 mL/L of water were e ffective, but the polysaccharides had no effect. We recommend sprays c ontaining 2.5-5 mL oil/L of water. The results are discussed in relati on to their perceived importance in citrus integrated pest management programs and historical recommendations for the use of oils to control the pest.