HOW TO GET RID OF ASIAN CITRUS PSYLLID

Asian Citrus Psyllid: A Threat to Citrus Orchards

Citrus orchards are an important component of the agricultural economy worldwide. These orchards produce various citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, tangerines, and grapefruits. However, the production and yield of citrus fruits are threatened by the invasion of various pests and diseases. One of the most destructive pests of citrus orchards is the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP).

ACP is a small insect with wings and an elongated body. It belongs to the family Psyllidae and is native to Asia. ACP feeds on the leaves and stems of citrus plants, causing damage to the plant and reducing its vigor. However, the most significant threat of ACP to citrus orchards is its ability to transmit the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), which causes Huanglongbing (HLB) disease or citrus greening disease.

The spread of ACP and HLB has caused major economic losses to the citrus industry in Asia, the United States, and other citrus-producing countries. Hence, it is essential to understand the characteristics, life cycle, and behavior of ACP, and the ways to prevent its invasion and spreading. In this article, we will delve deeper into the topic of ACP and provide comprehensive information on its biology, ecology, and management strategies.

1. Characteristics of Asian Citrus Psyllid

ACP has various characteristics that make it a unique and challenging pest of citrus plants. Its body length is about 2-4 mm, and its wings are translucent and broad. The body color of ACP ranges from light yellowish-brown to dark brown. Its antennae are longer than its body and have small black spots on them. Its hind legs are longer than its front and middle legs, which helps it to jump long distances and avoid predators.

ACP undergoes several stages in its life cycle, including the egg, nymph, and adult stages. The development time of ACP from an egg to an adult ranges from 30-43 days and varies with temperature, humidity, and host plants. ACP eggs are yellowish-orange and are laid on the underside of citrus leaves in groups of 3-20. The nymphs are wingless and pass through five instars before becoming an adult. The adult ACP feeds on the sap of citrus leaves and stems and can lay hundreds of eggs during its lifespan.

2. Ecology of Asian Citrus Psyllid
2.1 Habitat of Asian Citrus Psyllid
ACP is native to Asia, where it is found in citrus orchards and other related plant species. However, in recent years, ACP has spread to other parts of the world, including the United States, South America, and Africa. ACP prefers warm and humid climates and can survive in a wide range of temperatures from 5°C to 40°C. ACP is also known to thrive in urban areas, where there are large gardens and ornamental citrus trees.

ACP has a complex relationship with the citrus plants it feeds on. ACP prefers to feed on young shoots and leaves of the citrus plant, where there is a high concentration of sap, nutrients, and water. However, ACP’s feeding results in the removal of essential nutrients and compounds from the plant, causing stunted growth, leaf curling, and yellowing of the leaves. ACP’s feeding also renders the plant susceptible to other diseases, making it vulnerable to other pests.

2.2 Life Cycle and Behavior of Asian Citrus Psyllid
ACP has a complex life cycle that involves several stages, including egg, nymph, and adult stages. The female ACP lays its eggs on the underside of the citrus leaves in groups of 3-20. After hatching, the nymphs pass through five instars before becoming an adult. The development time of ACP from egg to adult varies with temperature, humidity, and host plants.

ACP feeds on the sap of citrus leaves and stems, where it ingests the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), which causes Huanglongbing (HLB) disease. ACP can transmit the bacterium to healthy citrus plants during its feeding process, making it a significant vector of HLB disease.

ACP has several natural enemies, including ladybird beetles, lacewings, and parasitic wasps. These predators feed on the eggs, nymphs, and adults of ACP, thus reducing their population in citrus orchards.

3. Management Strategies for Asian Citrus Psyllid

ACP is a challenging pest to manage due to its unique biological and behavioral characteristics. However, several management strategies can help prevent the spread of ACP and reduce the damage caused by HLB disease. The following are some of the management strategies for ACP.

3.1 Biological Control
Biological control involves the use of natural enemies of ACP to reduce their population in citrus orchards. Several natural enemies of ACP, such as ladybird beetles, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, have been identified and used in biological control programs. These predators feed on the eggs, nymphs, and adults of ACP, thus reducing their population and preventing their spread.

3.2 Chemical Control
Chemical control involves the use of pesticides to control the population of ACP. Several pesticides, such as neonicotinoids, pyrethroids, and organophosphates, have been used to control ACP. However, the overuse of pesticides can lead to resistance and environmental pollution, and hence, the use of chemicals should be judicious and with caution.

3.3 Cultural Control
Cultural control involves the use of cultural practices to reduce the population of ACP. The following are some of the cultural control practices for ACP:

– Planting Certified disease-free nursery stocks
– Removing dead and infected citrus trees
– Removing weeds and grass from citrus orchards
– Pruning and shaping citrus trees
– Using reflective mulch and sticky traps to repel ACP

3.4 Regulatory Control
Regulatory control involves the establishment of quarantine measures to prevent the entry and spread of ACP and HLB disease. Several countries have implemented quarantine measures, such as restriction of plant material movement and increased inspection and monitoring of citrus orchards.

4. Frequently Asked Questions about Asian Citrus Psyllid
4.1 What is Asian Citrus Psyllid?
Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) is a small insect with wings and an elongated body. ACP feeds on the leaves and stems of citrus plants, causing damage to the plant and reducing its vigor. However, the most significant threat of ACP to citrus orchards is its ability to transmit the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), which causes Huanglongbing (HLB) disease or citrus greening disease.

4.2 How does Asian Citrus Psyllid transmit HLB disease?
ACP feeds on the sap of citrus leaves and stems, where it ingests the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), which causes Huanglongbing (HLB) disease. ACP can transmit the bacterium to healthy citrus plants during its feeding process, making it a significant vector of HLB disease.

4.3 What are the symptoms of HLB disease?
The symptoms of HLB disease include yellowing of the leaves, stunted plant growth, and reduced fruit yield. The fruit produced by the infected plants is small, misshapen, and bitter. HLB disease can result in the death of the citrus plant.

5. Conclusion
In conclusion, Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) is a significant threat to the citrus industry worldwide. Its ability to transmit Huanglongbing (HLB) disease has caused massive economic losses to citrus orchards in Asia, the United States, and other citrus-producing countries. Hence, it is crucial to implement effective control strategies, such as biological, chemical, cultural, and regulatory control, to prevent the spread of ACP and HLB. The proper implementation of these control strategies can help protect the citrus industry from the adverse effects of ACP and HLB and ensure the sustainability of citrus orchards for generations to come.