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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Parlier, California » San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center » Crop Diseases, Pests and Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #304346
Title: Young citrus leaves decrease dispersal distance of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae)

Author
item TOMASETO, ARTHUR - Universidad De Sao Paulo
item Krugner, Rodrigo
item LOPES, JOAO - Universidad De Sao Paulo

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/10/2014
Publication Date: 6/20/2014
Citation: Tomaseto, A.F., Krugner, R., Lopes, J.R. 2014. Young citrus leaves decrease dispersal distance of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae). Meeting Abstract. p.36.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: To manage citrus Huanglongbing, understanding factors that affect dispersal behavior of Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), is required to answer questions related to disease epidemiology and to improve management tactics. Currently, little is known about cues mediating movement of D. citri toward citrus plants. Given the importance of young citrus leaves for D. citri reproductive biology, the present study aimed to investigate the influence of this factor on speed and distance of D. citri flight. After marking insects with four fluorescent powder colors (DAY GLO, Cleveland, OH, USA), two artificial releases of psyllids (each using 4000 adults) were performed: one in the condition of absence of young leaves and the other in the condition of presence of expanded, tender, young citrus leaves. The experimental site consisted of four circular and adjacent areas containing citrus [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck cv. ‘Hamlin’] planted in concentric circles of 18, 24 and 30 m from the release center. The numbers of insects recaptured were monitored at each distance using yellow stick traps placed on branches of citrus plants (in a density of 1 trap every 9 m), at 6 h, 1, 3 and 5 days after release. Dispersal distances beyond individual circular areas (i.e., insects that flew to adjacent areas (> 30 m)) were georeferenced and measured using Auto CAD 2010 (Autodesk) software. At 6 h after release in the absence of young shoots, density of recaptured insects at distances greater than 30 m did not significantly differ from recapture rates at distances of 18, 24 and 30 m from the release site. Insects also were recaptured at 140 and 200 m from the release center at 6 h and 1 day after release, respectively. However, in the presence of young shoots, about 85% of insects were recaptured at distances of 18 and 24 m (after 6 h), reaching at most 60 m 1 day after release. Results suggest that D. citri adults alter dispersal behavior according to phenological conditions (presence/absence of young leaves) of host plants. Thus, management tactics may be directed to insect control during periods of citrus flushing growth or focused on the use of bait plants placed on the edge of managed commercial groves.