On A Mission
Areawide management of the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) is a hot topic among many citrus growers and researchers. USDA-ARS has been working with Indian River citrus growers to implement an areawide management program for the psyllid in Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River counties. Of interest is the influence of psyllid host plants grown in urban areas on populations of the psyllid in commercial citrus. Orange jasmine is a favored host plant of the psyllid and is widely grown as an ornamental landscape plant. No information was available on biological control agents attacking the psyllid in urban plantings of jasmine.
USDA-ARS is particularly interested in biological control by the parasitoid Tamarixia radiata and has been surveying different plantings from Ft. Pierce to West Palm Beach for psyllid infestations and Tamarixia. Results of the project show the psyllid is common in urban plantings of orange jasmine and that Tamarixia commonly attacks the psyllid in these urban plantings. The parasitoid persists in orange jasmine under regular management practices and contributes to area-wide suppression of the psyllid.
Going The Distance
Body Of Evidence
A Shot In The Arm
This research project also is studying the infusion of natural plant products as possible antimicrobial agents or psyllid antifeedants. The ultimate goal of this research is to develop a cost-effective and sustainable grove treatment strategy that will prevent HLB symptom development and reduce the amount of psyllid feeding on treated plants.
On The Molecular Level