Evaluation of Petroleum Spray Oils and Polysaccharides for Control of Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae)

ABSTRACT An experiment to determine the efficacy of sprays containing polysaccharides (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 , unequivocally demonstrated that oil sprays suppress the number of mines/leaf. Oil concentrations ≥2.5 mL/L of water were effective, but the polysaccharides had no effect. We recommend sprays containing 2.5‐5 mL oil/L of water. the results are discussed in relation to their perceived importance in citrus integrated pest management programs and historical recommendations for the use of oils to control the pest.