Effects of citrus varieties on the bacteria associated Huanglongbing (HLB) vector, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama HLB, 1908 (Hemiptera: Liviidae)

Abstract

The Huanglongbing (HLB) or "greening" is currently considered as the most serious disease of citrus in Brazil and in the world whose symptoms are associated with bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter spp. Once, there is no curative measures for the disease the management is based on curative measures such as vector control of the pathogen Diaphorina citri. This insect has a host range of about 20 species in the family Rutaceae, including the genus Citrus, however, not all hosts allow the full development of the insect. Thus, the aim of this work is to study the effects of different commercial varieties of citrus on the behavioral aspects and biological of D. citri. Four subprojects will be realized: i) Studies on the host selection behavior of D. citri in different varieties of citrus and identification of possible volatile involved ii) Effect of citrus varieties on the feeding behavior of D. citri, iii) Influence of citrus varieties in the processes of acquisition and transmission of Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus by the vector and iv) Effect of combinations scion and rootstock on the biology of D. citri.