Save Our Citrus!
Have you seen this insect?
Asian Citrus Psyllid (Diaphorina citri)
This tiny bug only measuring less than an eighth of an inch could be the end of Florida orange juice! This bug better known as Asian Citrus Psyllid, carries a bacteria that goes by many names: huanglongbing, “yellow dragon disease” and “citrus greening.” Florida orange growers and agriculturalists compare it to cancer. Asian Citrus Psyllid is attracted to trees in the Rutaceae family which includes citrus and several non citrus trees. They lay eggs on the tips of growing shoots, in the crevices of the leaves, or at the base of newly-formed leaf buds. Nymphs (immature Asian Citrus Psyllid) flourish on newly emerged or healthy vegetation. As they grow the Psyllids feed on the undercoated side of leaves and eventually keep rapidly reproducing. They release a secretion called “honeydew” which coats the outside of fruits and leaves, and promoting the growth of a fungus that hinders photosynthesis, weakening the plant eventually causing the fruit to be rancid, and the tree dies. According to scientist, half of all citrus trees in Florida (which provides 80 percent of the nation’s orange juice) have been infected! This tiny bug is causing big problems!
Physical Features
3 - 4 mm in length.
Yellowish-brown body with brown legs and a light brown head. The underside of the body is greenish-white.
Females turn a bright yellow-orange when ready to lay eggs
Transparent wings with white spots, or light-brown
Short antennae
Appears dusty due to a whitish, waxy secretion.
Breeding Patterns
- Asian Citrus Pysllids are known to complete 30 generations per year! This goes to show how fast they are reproducing.
- In southern Florida, peak Psyllid activities usually occur in May, August, and October through December.
what predators exist among Pysllids?
- Insects such as ladybeetles, parasitic wasp, lacewing larvae, and predaceous bugs have been released in Florida to help with the population of Pysllids.
Where did they Originate?
The Asian citrus psyllid originated in Asia but it is now also found in parts of the Middle East, South Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
What Areas Have been Afected?
The Pysllid was first detected in citrus trees within south Florida in 1988. The Pest moved rapidly in nurseries across the state. Overtime they spread to portions of Texas, Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, California, and Hawaii. Scientist believe they first originated in Florida because of human interventions with orange nurseries.
What is being done to Control PYSLLID?
In orange groves where trees are showing signs of infection they are quickly removed. Insecticides must be maintained at sparing levels to minimize the impact of natural enemies. Florida has also released several insects that are predators to the Pysllid. Many orange nurseries are also covering their orange groves with netting too to keep the spreading of Pysllid.