Feeding and Oviposition Behaviour of <i>Trioza erytreae</i> (Hemiptera: Triozidae) on Different Citrus Rootstock Material Available in Europe

• Main Authors: Estrella Hernández-Suárez, Laura Suárez-Méndez, Moneyba Parrilla, Juan M. Arjona-López, Aurea Hervalejo, Francisco J. Arenas-Arenas
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-07-01
• Series: Insects
• Subjects: African citrus psyllid; citrus rootstock; host choice behavior; Huanglongbing; survival; sustainable pest management
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/12/7/623

<i>Trioza erytreae</i> (Del Guercio, 1918) (Hemiptera: Triozidae) is a vector of <i>Candidatus</i> Liberibacter spp., the causal agent of Huanglongbing disease (HLB). This study evaluates the preference of <i>T. erytreae</i> in different citrus seedlings. Thus, six different non-grafted citrus rootstocks were used for these experiments: (a) Carrizo citrange; (b) <i>Citrus macrophylla</i>; (c) ‘Cleopatra’ mandarin; (d) Forner-Alcaide No. 5; (e) Forner-Alcaide No. 517, and (f) <i>Poncirus trifoliata</i> (‘Flying Dragon’). The behaviour and survival of this psyllid was evaluated through the feeding preference of <i>T. erytreae</i> adults for different rootstocks (in a choice trial under greenhouse conditions) and oviposition and survival of <i>T. erytreae</i> adults on the different citrus material (in a no-choice trial under laboratory conditions). <i>Trioza erytreae</i> showed a clear preference for hosting and feeding on <i>C. macrophylla,</i> and Carrizo citrange was the most suitable rootstock for insect reproduction and survival followed by <i>C. macrophylla</i>. Conversely, <i>Poncirus trifoliata</i> was the least attractive rootstock to <i>T. erytreae</i> adults in the greenhouse trial and led to significantly lower <i>T. erytreae</i> survival. Our results suggest that conventional citrus rootstocks, such as Carrizo citrange and <i>C. macrophylla,</i> could increase <i>T. erytreae</i> populations.