Eco-friendly alternatives to chemical pest control for sustainable citrus groves in Morocco

M.C. Smaili; N. Haddad; O. Chetto; H. Benyahia; H. Benaouda

doi:10.2478/hppj-2025-0006

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Eco-friendly alternatives to chemical pest control for sustainable citrus groves in Morocco

Hellenic Plant Protection Journal

Volume 18 (2025): Issue 2 (July 2025)

By: M.C. Smaili, N. Haddad, O. Chetto, H. Benyahia and H. Benaouda

Open Access

|Jul 2025

Abstract

The citrus industry plays a significant socio-economic role in the Moroccan national economy. Seventy phytophagous insect, mite and snail species have been recorded from citrus orchards in Morocco. However, only a few are considered major or occasional pests and may cause economic damage warranting control. Using broad-spectrum pesticides to control insects and mites has resulted in several problems due to human, environmental and eco-toxicological concerns. This paper provides an overview of practical and preventative eco-friendly alternatives to chemical pest control for sustainable citrus groves in Morocco. The role of appropriate biological and cultural methods and safe chemical control in controlling citrus pests is discussed.

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/hppj-2025-0006 | Journal eISSN: 2732-656X | Journal ISSN: 1791-3691

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Language: English

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Submitted on: Nov 25, 2024

Accepted on: Jul 10, 2025

Published on: Jul 23, 2025

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Publication frequency: 2 issues per year

Keywords:

alternative methods,

citrus,

insects,

mites,

Morocco,

Related subjects:

Zoology,

© 2025 M.C. Smaili, N. Haddad, O. Chetto, H. Benyahia, H. Benaouda, published by Benaki Phytopathological Institute
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Volume 18 (2025): Issue 2 (July 2025)