Vibrational duetting mimics to trap and disrupt mating of the devastating Asian citrus psyllid insect pest

Authors: Mankin, Richard; ROHDE, BARUKH - University Of Florida; MCNEILL, SETH - Union College

Submitted to: Proceedings of Meetings on Acoustics (POMA)
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/29/2016
Publication Date: 4/1/2016
Citation: Mankin, R.W., Rohde, B., Mcneill, S. 2016. Vibrational duetting mimics to trap and disrupt mating of the devasting Asian citrus psyllid insect pest. Proceedings of Meetings on Acoustics (POMA). 25,010006. doi: 10.1121/2.0000185.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1121/2.0000185

Interpretive Summary: The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) is the primary vector of a bacterium that is the causative agent of a devastating disease of citrus, Huanglongbing. Efficient surveillance of ACP at low population densities is essential for timely pest management program decisions. ACP males search for mates on tree branches by producing vibrational calls that elicit duetting replies from receptive females. The males then search for the location of the reply. Scientists at the USDA, Agriculture Research Service, Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology, Gainesville, Florida, the University of Florida, and Union College, Lincoln, Nebraska, developed methods to attract ACP using vibrational communication mimics. From these findings, an ACP vibration trap was constructed and validated. As an extension, the use of vibrational mimics were explored to disrupt mating of ACP. This information can guide future efforts to control this extremely devastating citrus pest.

Technical Abstract: The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) is the primary vector of a bacterium that produces a devastating disease of citrus, huanglongbing. Efficient surveillance of ACP at low population densities is essential for timely pest management programs. ACP males search for mates on tree branches by producing vibrational calls that elicit duetting replies from receptive females. The males then search for the location of the reply. We constructed a vibration trap by using a microcontroller with signal detection and discrimination software, a contact microphone to detect ACP calls, and a piezoelectric buzzer to produce calls. The buzzer plays back a female reply when a male calls, which stimulates the male to search and find it. In this report, we discuss the construction and operation of the vibrational trapping system. In addition, we discuss methods developed in laboratory studies to interfere with ACP duetting and mating. Our goal is to develop field-worthy systems that target ACP infestations and reduce their populations.