Host plants of Toxoptera citricida
In USA, Toxoptera citricida (EPPO A1 quarantine pest, an efficient vector of citrus tristeza closterovirus) has recently been introduced into Florida (see EPPO RS 96/024). In order to implement sound management programmes, it was felt that data on biology and ecology of the pest was missing. The development, survival and reproduction of T. citricida was studied in the laboratory on eight host plants: Citrus jambhiri (rough lemon), C. aurantium (sour orange), C. paradisi (grapefruit), C. aurantifolia (lime), Severinia buxifolia (bow orange), x Citrofortunella microcarpa (calamondin),
Triphasia trifolia (lime berry), Murraya paniculata (orange jasmine). Results showed that host plants have a significant effect on development, reproduction and longevity of T. citricida. Shorter development times, greater total reproduction and higher survival were observed on C. paradisi (grapefruit) and C. aurantium (sour orange), which indicate that these plants are the most suitable hosts. The least suitable hosts were Murraya paniculata, Severinia buxifolia and Triphasia trifolia. However, the authors stressed that these plants have an importance in the epidemiology as they are widely used in urban areas in Florida as hedges, and could serve as alternate hosts for T. citricida when young citrus shoots are not available.
Sources
Tsai, J.H. (1998) Development, survivorship, and reproduction of Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy) (Homoptera: Aphididae) on eight host plants.
Environmental Entomology, 27(5), 1190-1195.