Lukasz Stelinski
The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), the insect that vectors the pathogen that causes HLB, has become the center of Lukasz Stelinski’s research. Stelinski, an associate professor of entomology and nematology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Citrus Research and Education Center, will present results from ongoing research about managing citrus psyllids during the Citrus Expo citrus program.
A question that Stelinski aims to answer is whether insecticide treatment of ACP has impacts on HLB management. “There has been a debate among the research and grower communities on whether insecticide use and vector management is worth the investment in a situation like we have in Florida, where nearly 100 percent of our groves are infected with the pathogen that causes HLB. So, if we’re 100 percent infected, what’s the point in spraying? That’s a logical question,” Stelinski explains.
He’ll be presenting an update on the initial results from this research. This project is meant to last for multiple years, but Stelinski will present results from the first year. Although he cannot make any recommendations based off this research yet, Stelinski will inform growers on what management methods look promising.
Hear his presentation on Wednesday, Aug. 15, at 2:05 p.m. in Whaley Hall.
Citrus Expo will take place August 15–16 at the Lee Civic Center in North Fort Myers, Florida. Growers will not want to miss this year’s event, so don’t wait. Click here or call 352-671-1909 to pre-register. All pre-registered growers will be automatically entered for a chance to win a John Deere gun safe courtesy of Everglades Equipment Group.
Due to a staggering amount of support, Citrus Expo is currently sold out of indoor exhibitor space, but there are outdoor booths available. If you would like to exhibit outdoors or be added to the waiting list for indoor space, please fill out a registration form.
Information about the seminar sessions is now available. Click here to view the seminar schedule. Be sure to mark your calendar for Citrus Expo’s biggest year yet! To learn more about Citrus Expo, including host hotel information, visit CitrusExpo.net.
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