Abundance and population dynamics of the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) as affected by flush shoots in different host plants

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) present in Texas at high densities, is believe to be one of the insect vectors of citrus greening disease, which is one of the most devastating citrus diseases in the world. The establishment of D. citri in Texas has increased the possibility that the citrus greening disease could also be introduce in the Lower Rio Grande Valley---the main citrus producing region of the State. The fact that this is a phytophagous insect and feeds exclusively on plants from many Rutaceous plant species, increases the risk of introduction in ornamental plants such as orange jasmine, a preferred host plant of the psyllid and favorite garden plant among home owners in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, unfortunately the vector also have a high preference for this host. The threat of this disease spreading to other citrus-growing states definitely exists.;Since citrus greening currently can only be managed, rather than eradicated, understanding the biology and behavior of its major vector--- D. citri could be instrumental for developing sustainable management strategies of this pest. Therefore, we studied the abundance and population dynamics of D. citri as affected by flush patterns in different citrus host plants. It is anticipated that this investigation will, provided a better understanding of host plant factors such as species, flush patterns that influence psyllid attraction, initial choice of flush shoots, choice of host as well as their best ovipositing stage. We also identified psyllid host preference among the 4 studied host. Asian citrus psyllid was most abundant and infested on more flushes of lime and sweet orange compare to grapefruit and mandarin.