Resources to Help You Grow

Avoiding the use of chemicals on consumable crops is not only environmentally responsible, but cost effective as well. The use of Integrated Pest Management Practices, such as those offered by Biological Tree Services, reduces the need for chemical insecticides and fungicides, while still maintaining the good health of your citrus plants. Integrated Pest Management involved a combination of biological control, cultural practices, and pesticides when absolutely necessary. It helps to maintain the balance of the delicate biological control systems enacted by nature, without upsetting them as Chemical Control can.

Also known as Huanglongbing (HLB), Citrus Greening Disease is the most devastating of all citrus diseases. It is caused by the bacterium Candidatus liberibacter, which is carried and spread by the Asian Citrus Psyllid. Mature trees decline rapidly, and cease fruit production, while young trees which become infected will never come into fruit production. Symptoms generally manifest as non-symmetrical yellow blotches across the two halves of the leaves, as well as non-symmetrical fruit growth, coupled with a decrease or cessation in fruit production. The most effective, and least harmful management practice is the introduction of beneficial insect predators to the psyllids, such as ladybeetles and the parasitic wasp, Tamarixida radiata.