Management of citrus leprosis using lime sulphur and their implications to soil and plant properties

Abstract

Lime sulphur is used worldwide in agriculture to control pests and diseases. Our objective was to determine the effect of lime sulphur applications in an orange orchard on soil chemical properties and foliar nutrients after seven years of use to control B. yothersi. Soil and leaf samples were collected in two consecutive years for determination of soil chemical properties and nutritional analysis, respectively. We also assessed severity of citrus leprosis and productivity of plants. The applications of lime sulphur reduced pH values in CaCl2 and increased levels of S-SO42- in subsurface soil layer. Plants treated with lime sulphur had the highest leaf concentrations of Ca and S and of the micronutrients B, Cu, Mn e Zn. On the other hand, lime sulphur was able to reduce severity of citrus leprosis and had a positive effect on citrus productivity. The use of lime sulfur must be moderate, as the excessive use of this pesticide can cause imbalances in soil and plants, affecting the quality of food produced and causing negative impacts on the environment.