Dynamics of citrus pest populations following a major freeze in northern Florida

Abstract Cold-hardy citrus has gained prominence in North Florida’s fresh market. North Florida is less exposed to Huanglongbing and citrus canker than the rest of the state, but is more exposed to freezing events. Following the exceptional frost that occurred in December 2022, a two-year survey (2023–2024) assessed the abundance and seasonal patterns of citrus pests in three groves and in residential backyard citrus across North Florida. Citrus leafminer Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) dominated all groves, while the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), was recorded in backyard trees. The December 2022 frost had a minimal impact on ambrosia beetle and red scale populations, while the citrus leafminer population surged in the summer of 2023 compared to 2024. D. citri populations showed no significant seasonal or interannual fluctuations. Forecasting models exhibited strong accuracy for red scales and ambrosia beetles but higher error rates for citrus leafminers and D. citri , indicating varying degrees of temporal variability and persistence in their population dynamics. This study highlights species-specific responses to climatic shifts and informs targeted pest management strategies for North Florida’s citrus industry.