Studies on the biology of Diaphorina citri
Diaphorina citri (Homoptera, Psyllidae – EPPO A1 quarantine pest) is the most efficient vector of citrus greening bacterium (Liberobacter asiaticum) in Asia. Recently, it has been introduced into Florida (US). In 1998, it was first found in South Florida (see EPPO RS 98/159) and it is reported to be widespread in the following counties: Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, Dade, St. Lucie, Hendry and Collier. Studies were carried out in Florida on the biology of D. citri. Its development, survival, longevity, reproduction and life table parameters were evaluated in the laboratory at 10°C, 15°C, 20°C, 25°C, 28°C, 30°C and 33°C. Populations did not develop at 10°C and 33°C. The average development period from egg to adult varied from 49.3 days at 15°C to 14.1 days at 28°C. The low-temperature thresholds for the five instars were estimated at 11.7°C, 10.7°C, 10.1°C, 10.5°C and 10.9°C respectively. The mean longevity of females increased with decreasing temperatures. The average number of eggs produced per female significantly increased with increasing temperatures and reached a maximum of 748.3 eggs at 28°C. It was estimated that the optimum range of temperatures for D. citri population growth was 25-28°C.
Sources
Liu, Y.H.; Tsai, J.H. (2000) Effects of temperature on biology and life table parameters of the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Homoptera: Psyllidae).
Annals of Applied Biology, 137(3)201-206.