Kaolin films are showing promising results in management of Asian citrus psyllid.  I recently presented preliminary results from our trial of Surround kaolin clay product and a Surround that we have modified with a red dye in presentations to the Polk County OJ Break and to the Citrus Research and Development Foundation research lunch.  To see the complete presentation click here.   

The results are promising: Over the course of the first year after planting we saw an 78% reduction in mean psyllid numbers per tree in the white kaolin treatment.  Thus far, this has also translated in lower infection rates, with a mean of 10% infection in the white kaolin versus 25% in the foliar insecticide treatment.  These results are early, so we should be cautious about jumping to conclusions.  However, other studies have produced similar results, and this means that growers should consider kaolin as a viable practice to incorporate into their management programs.