SBIR-STTR Award

Severe economic losses due to damage and death of young citrus trees in groves throughout Central and South Florida are directly attributable to the infestation of red imported fire ants (RIFA). RIFA feed on bark and cambium to obtain sap, girdling and often killing trees. Also, RIFA and other species tend a number of sap-feeding insects, such as scales, aphids and mealy bugs, which are capable of spreading plant diseases in citrus trees. The specific aim of this Phase I study is to demonstrate the efficacy of the patented TreeGuard device to protect young citrus from degradation by these ants and related pests. This minimal-use pesticide containing device acts as a barrier, interrupting the "route of travel" of invading insect pests. We propose this innovative technique will serve as a more effective, economical and environmentally-acceptable alternative than currently used methods of pesticide application to control these pests. This will be done in the field under practical conditions. In Phase II, extensive field testing on young citrus and on other nursery stock will take place in the commercial sector. The final enhancements will be made on the prototype in Phase II to prepare it for high volume production and commercialization.

Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications of Research:
: Phase I should demonstrate this device to be more environmentally acceptable than current methods. In terms of reliability and cost effectiveness, the device will be a superior solution to protecting citrus trees from RIFA and other insect pests. This innovation supports the Federal Government's mandate to reduce the proliferation of pesticides, minimizing their use by 50 percent by the year 2000. Ultimately, the wide-scale use of this device will increase revenues from the production of citrus and other nursery stock in Florida and throughout the U.S. by decreasing the damage and death of young trees and older fruit-bearing trees.

The infestation of crawling insect vermin can cause severe economic losses in citrus and other fruit and nut trees, nursery stock and ornamentals. The red imported fire ants (RIFA) in particular are responsible for damage and death of young citrus tree in the major U.S. citrus growing regions. RIFA freed on bark and cambium to obtain sap, girdling and often killing trees. Fire ants and other ants also tend a number of homopteran insects which can act as vectors for plant diseases. They will also frequently attack beneficial biocontrol organisms that prey on these homopteran insects.In the Phase I study, the TreeGuard protected young citrus trees from degradation by these ants and related pests for 18 months. Based on these results, this innovative application technology shows enormous commercial potential and will provide a more effective, economical and environmentally-acceptable solution than many currently used pest control methods. The Phase II research will focus on wide-scale field testing with young citrus trees under practical conditions in the major U.S. citrus-growing regions and evaluate TreeGuard's efficacy in other agricultural applications. Following Phase II testing, final enhancements will be made to prepare the TreeGuard for commercialization and high volume production in Phase III.

Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications of Research:
Phase II should demonstrate the TreeGuard to be a superior treatment solution to protecting citrus trees, other fruit and nut trees, nursery stock and ornamental plants and shrubs, in terms of long-term protection, reliability, cost effectiveness and environmental safety. This innovation complements present and future IPM strategies and supports the federal government's mandate to reduce the proliferation of pesticides. Ultimately, the wide-scale use of this device should enhance production in Florida and throughout the United States by decreasing the pest-related damage in groves, nurseries, and orchard and landscape habitats.