Attributes of sticky traps affecting attraction of Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae)

Authors: Allan, Sandra - Sandy; George, Justin; STELINSKI, LUKASZ - University Of Florida; Lapointe, Stephen

Submitted to: Insects
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/13/2020
Publication Date: 7/16/2020
Citation: Allan, S.A., George, J., Stelinski, L., Lapointe, S.L. 2020. Attributes of yellow sticky traps affecting attraction of Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae). Insects. 11(7):452. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11070452.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11070452

Interpretive Summary: The Asian citrus psyllid is the primary insect vector of the pathogen that causes Huanglongbing and is critically important in terms of management of the disease. Management decisions to protect citrus orchards are based on reliable estimates of the psyllid populations infesting the orchards. One of the most common surveillance methods consists of use of a standard sticky yellow visual trap, however this surveillance is often less sensitive to low populations which is when spraying can be most impactful. Scientists at USDA-ARS, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, Gainesville, Florida, in collaboration with those at USDA-ARS, Subtropical Insects and Horticulture Research, Ft. Pierce, Florida, and University of Florida, Lake Alfred, Florida, conducted laboratory and field studies to evaluate various attributes of visual traps to improve attraction to sticky traps. Several new paint colors increased attraction of psyllids to traps in the laboratory and preliminary field trials and these provide potential for improved surveillance technology. These color modifications can be incorporated into sticky trap design to provide better informed management decisions for control of the Asian citrus psyllid.

Technical Abstract: Laboratory assays were conducted to evaluate various aspects of visual attraction in an effort to improve attraction to traps. Addition of white or UV purple but not yellow LEDs increased attraction moderately (11-17%) to traps with no difference in attraction between white or UV purple LEDs. Addition of black patterns differing in complexity on traps did not enhance attraction. Comparisons were made between different commercial paints, some with UV-reflecting properties or fluorescence. A yellow paint with some UV-reflectance, used for painting bird decoys (decoy yellow), was more attractive than the standard yellow Olson sticky trap. Addition of white or green pigment to increase intensity or enhance green reflectance, respectively, did not increase attraction. Alteration of reflectance of standard Olson yellow traps with addition of UV-reflecting or fluorescent pigments did not enhance attraction of standard sticky traps. In field comparisons of sticky traps, decoy yellow and a fluorescent yellow were more attractive than Olson yellow.