Trapping system
The A.C.P. Trap is used for capturing of the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri). The trap comes with a wire which can be attached to the opening at the top of the trap. Use the wire to hang the trap on the crop. Remove the waxy paper covering the trap on both sides to activate trap.
A.C.P. PheroLure®
The semiochemical-impregnated bulb used to attract the Asian citrus psyllid to the trap is known as the A.C.P. PheroLure®. The A.C.P. PheroLure® needs to be replaced every six (6) weeks. Any extra A.C.P. PheroLures® should be kept in their individual foil pouches in a fridge in order to prolong their shelf life until use.
How, where and when to hang traps
- How: Always hang the trap 1 .5 – 2 m above ground level. Place traps on the outside canopy and on either the southern or eastern side of the tree. Remove leaves from around the trap. This will allow for maximum airflow to distribute the semiochemical molecules (which are heavier than air) across the orchard/nursery. Hang the trap out of the way of farm implements and the direct reach of spray machines and irrigation systems, as well as away from roads, as the dust will cover the sticky liner and dry out the glue. Identify each trap by a number/block number for later reference.
- Where: A map layout of the orchard/nursery will assist in the correct placing of traps. In orchards/nurseries which are uniform with respect to topography, size & windbreaks, hang traps at a density of 1 trap per 1–2 ha. This is the maximum area that can be monitored by a single trap. Place the assembled trap along the edges of the orchard/nursery. A higher density may be necessary in unevenly shaped fields, fields with excessive slopes, or hollows where the prevailing wind may adversely affect trap catches. Do not place the assembled trap too close to indigenous trees in order to prevent trapping of endemic Diaphorina species.
- When: Monitor throughout the year for early detection.
Inspection and maintenance of traps
- Inspection: The traps should be inspected weekly on the same day of each week (7-day intervals). Cover the sticky sides of the trap with cling wrap. Avoid creases in the cling wrap for easy identification of insects. Determine presence of Asian citrus psyllid using a hand lens or microscope. The number of Asian citrus psyllid trapped on the trap, together with the trap number and date need to be recorded.
- Maintenance: Collect traps once a week and replace with new traps. Move A.C.P. PheroLure® to new trap. Only replace A.C.P. PheroLure® every six (6) weeks.
Disposal of lures
Each A.C.P. PheroLure® needs to be replaced every six (6) weeks. Used A.C.P. PheroLures® can be disposed of in the garbage. No special precautions are required as A.C.P. PheroLure® is considered of no concern to human and environmental health.
Packaging
A.C.P. PheroLure® is sold in individual foil pouches at 3 per pack, or in bulk at 100 per pack in a large foil pouch.
