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of Phytopathology

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  • Review Article

Conservation of natural enemies of Diaphorina citri and their impact on Huanglongbing: Analysis and perspectives

By Hipolito Cortez Madrigal*

* Corresponding Author. Email: / Institution: Instituto Politécnico Nacional

Accepted: 21/March/2024 – Published: 11/April/2024 – DOI: https://doi.org/10.18781/R.MEX.FIT.2307-3

Abstract Diaphorina citri is the main vector of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), the causative agent of HLB, the most devastating citrus disease. Although the importance of biological control is recognized, insecticides are the main control tool used. Its use in citrus should be cautious, as it could interfere with the biocontrol of exotic pests already present. Diaphorina citri has a wide range of natural enemies; however, only the parasitoid Tamarixia radiata and some species of entomopathogenic fungi are used inundatively. Although the main predators of the vector occur naturally, few studies address their conservation in situ. This review supports the idea that the conservation of natural enemies should be the basis of the integrated management of D. citri and CLas. The conservation of alternate hosts, the inclusion of nectar plants, in situ conservation of parasitoids, and the autodissemination of entomopathogenic fungi are proposed. Studies carried out on conservation of natural enemies of D. citri and related pests, their probable impact on the disease, and prospects for implementation in Mexico are analyzed and discussed. The proposed strategies could enhance not only the biological control of D. citri-CLas, but also the autoregulation of citrus pests in general.

Keywords: Asian citrus psyllid, biocontrol, Tamarixia radiata, entomopathogenic fungi, conservation

Figure 1. Epidemiological System defined by the interaction of factors that determine an epidemic process: pest species, entomopathogen, predator, and parasitoid, crop, agronomic management, climate, and any other specific factor (ni), all of which operate at different spatial-temporal levels (Adapted from Mora-Aguilera <em>et al.,</em> 2017).
Figure 1. Epidemiological System defined by the interaction of factors that determine an epidemic process: pest species, entomopathogen, predator, and parasitoid, crop, agronomic management, climate, and any other specific factor (ni), all of which operate at different spatial-temporal levels (Adapted from Mora-Aguilera et al., 2017).
Figure 2. Aphis nerii on Asclepias curassavica and some associated natural enemies. A) Pseudodorus clavatus, B)Cycloneda sanguinea, C) Adult of Oligota sp., D) Adult of Chamaemyiidae, E) Mummies and adults ofLyciphlebus testaceipes
Figure 2. Aphis nerii on Asclepias curassavica and some associated natural enemies. A) Pseudodorus clavatus, B)Cycloneda sanguinea, C) Adult of Oligota sp., D) Adult of Chamaemyiidae, E) Mummies and adults ofLyciphlebus testaceipes
Figure 3. Different types of mesh evaluated in the selective emergence of Tamarixia triozae, parasitoid of Bactericera cockerelli as a model to be implemented with D. citri and its parasitoid. A) 700 x 700 μm, B) 700 x 900 μm, and C) 500 μm mesh.
Figure 3. Different types of mesh evaluated in the selective emergence of Tamarixia triozae, parasitoid of Bactericera cockerelli as a model to be implemented with D. citri and its parasitoid. A) 700 x 700 μm, B) 700 x 900 μm, and C) 500 μm mesh.
Figure 4. Phytosanitary trophic system in two citrus species (Persian lime and sweet orange) and the lemon grass M. paniculata, which are differentially infested with two pest-vector species (D.citri and T. citricida) and two pathogens (Citrus tristeza virus and Candidatus Liberibacterasiaticus). Taken from Mora et al. (2017).
Figure 4. Phytosanitary trophic system in two citrus species (Persian lime and sweet orange) and the lemon grass M. paniculata, which are differentially infested with two pest-vector species (D.citri and T. citricida) and two pathogens (Citrus tristeza virus and Candidatus Liberibacterasiaticus). Taken from Mora et al. (2017).
Table 1. Natural enemies associated with D. citri in citrus orchards in Mexico
Table 1. Natural enemies associated with D. citri in citrus orchards in Mexico