Diaphorina citri is a potential vector of Citrus tristeza virus
Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Psyllidae, EPPO A1 List) is a known vector of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ (EPPO A1 List) causing citrus huanglongbing. Citrus tristeza virus (Closterovirus, CTV – EPPO A2 List) has so far been considered to be spread by aphid species (Homoptera: Aphididae), such as Aphis (Toxoptera) citricidus and Aphis gossypii.
Experiments conducted in the laboratory and in the field in China showed that D. citri could acquire CTV from infected citrus plants. Both nymphs and adults could carry CTV. The virus was present at a higher level in the insect midguts than in the salivary glands.
Sources
Zhang J, Xiao Y, Hu P, Chen L, Deng X, Xu M (2024) Report of Citrus tristeza virus in Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae) insects of different sexes, color morphs, and developmental stages. Journal of Insect Science 24(1), 13. https://doi.org/10.1093/jisesa/ieae014