ARS | Publication request: Trailers transporting oranges to processing plants move Asian citrus psyllids

Submitted to: Florida Entomologist
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: February 1, 2010
Publication Date: March 1, 2010
Citation: Halbert, S.E., Keremane, M.L., Ramadugu, C., Brodie, M.W., Webb, S.E., Lee, R.F. 2010. Trailers transporting oranges to processing plants move Asian citrus psyllids. Florida Entomologist. 93(1)p33-38.

Interpretive Summary: Huanglongbing (citrus greening) is one of the most serious of citrus diseases. Movement of the disease occurs as a result of natural vector-borne infection and by movement of plant material. We demonstrate here that the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, (vector of citrus greening pathogens) can be transported in trailers of unprocessed fruit. Several samples of D. citri collected from trailers of oranges were positive for citrus greening pathogens, indicating that the pathogens also can travel with fruit.

Technical Abstract: Huanglongbing (citrus greening) is one of the most serious of citrus diseases. Movement of the disease occurs as a result of natural vector-borne infection and by movement of plant material. We demonstrate here that Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (vector of citrus greening pathogens) can be transported in trailers of unprocessed fruit. Several samples of D. citri collected from trailers of oranges were positive for citrus greening pathogens, indicating that the pathogens also can travel with fruit.