Project Number: 6615-22000-025-12
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Jul 01, 2012
End Date: Dec 31, 2013

Objective:
Develop an efficient trap that collect psyllids at low population levels in high value crops, enabling more precise targeting and control of incipient infestations than is currently available.

Approach:
We will construct synthetic calls that attract male psyllids and then develop and test a robust trap that can be used as a more sensitive method of monitoring for Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) than the current yellow sticky trap method. This would enable incipient infestations to be detected and targeted more precisely, reducing the use of broad spectrum insecticides. Management of the ACP (Diaphorina citri) is a key factor in controlling the citrus huanglongbing (HLB) disease in Florida. The only commonly used method for trapping and monitoring ACP is an unbaited visually attractive sticky trap. However, males are known to be acoustically attracted to duetting females. In searching for females to court, males move around the host plant, calling periodically. If a female replies to a call, the male moves towards her location, continuing to duet until he finds her.