Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS)

[citrinity]

Dear members,

I would like to hear your thoughts on the effectiveness of the Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS) system in preventing citrus greening as discussed here: https://citrusindustry.net/2023/05/03/fine-tuning-cups-production-practices/

Is the system sustainable? Does anyone have direct positive experience with it or know of someone willing to demonstrate this system?

Thanks!

[Galatians522]

There is a CUPS facility here in Highlands County and another up in Polk. So far, it appears to work well for grapefruit. It has been effective in keeping the trees healthy even when an occational infected psylid got in. The cost is of construction is high. So, only fresh fruit is grown in them. The Dundee Citrus Growers Association might have more information.

[Rmck22]

They are extremely effective but fairly cost prohibitive mainly due to threat of a hurricane. And not being able to insure the structure.

[citrinity]

Thanks @Galatians522 and @Rmck22

[FruitGrower]

I do it. It's the only thing that's worked for preventing HLB for me.

[Calusa]

I can't speak to the commercial use of CUPS. But I do have a couple of citrus trees about 3 years old (Tango and Sugar Belle), which have been covered with anti-HLB psyllid screen canopies since they were freshly grafted. And I can attest to the effectiveness of the screening because neither of my trees has not had any problems with insects, not even leaf miners. They are as green and healthy as any citrus I've ever seen.