Browsing by Author "Geraldo, Yohana"

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    Early Results of Kaolin Clay Applications in the Dominican Republic
    Torres, Emmanuel; Mancebo, Jorge; Lara, Ambrosio; Maurer, Willy; Geraldo, Yohana; Pilar, Martha; Torres, Isabel; Caro, Jose; Lopez, Lorena (2020-12-30)
    Sustainable approaches for fruit fly control are desirable to reduce resistance development and ease the entry of the commercial fruit to international markets. Kaolin clay foliar applications ares a suitable option for sustainable insect control in agriculture. Kaolin clay has shown to reduce plant stress and increase yield under high-temperature conditions. Adequate kaolin clay treatment could mitigate detrimental effects of high temperatures on guava flowering and fruiting while reducing fruit losses due to Caribbean fruit fly. However, the efficiency of kaolin clay may be affected by the rate and time of application as well as growing conditions and plant morphology. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of three kaolin clay rates in combination with three frequencies of application on fruit fly control and guava yield. Kaolin clay was applied to the foliage of guava trees using 19, 38, and 57 kg/ha, and were reapplied either weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Additionally, one control treatment was maintained with no kaolin clay application. Fruit yield, larvae infestation, and foliage temperature were recorded. Guava marketable fruit number was influenced by the kaolin clay compared to the control, although no increase in the overall yield was recorded. Weekly and biweekly applications of kaolin clay reduced fruit fly infestation by 69%, compared to monthly applications. Additionally, application rates of 57 kg/ha reduced larvae infestation by 59%, compared to 19 kg/ha. Biweekly applications of 57 kg/ha reduced fruit fly larvae infestation in guava fruit in 95.5%, compared to the untreated control. This technology showed potential as a sustainable tool for management of Caribbean fruit flies in guava when the recommended field rate (57 kg/ha) is used at least every two weeks.