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Title: Host-choice behavior of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) under laboratory conditions

Author
item RUAN, C - Fujian Academy
item Hall, David
item LIU, B - Fujian Academy
item Duan, Ping
item LI, T - Fujian Academy
item HU, H - Fujian Academy
item FAN, G - Fujian Academy

Submitted to: Journal of Insect Behavior
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/13/2015
Publication Date: 3/1/2015
Citation: Ruan, C., Hall, D.G., Liu, B., Duan, Y., Li, T., Hu, H., Fan, G. 2015. Host-choice behavior of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) under laboratory conditions. Journal of Insect Behavior. doi: 10.1007/s10905-015-9488-2.

Interpretive Summary: The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP)is the vector of huanglongbing (HLB), considered to be the most devastating disease of citrus worldwide. Knowledge of the ACP’s host-plant finding behavior aids in our understanding of the epidemiology of HLB. We present the results of research conducted to assess the ability of adult ACP to distinguish between a non-host plant [Rhododendron simsii] and two host plant species [Murraya paniculata and Citrus reticulata] in a caged, free-choice situation. After being introduced into cages with the three plant species, more than nine hours elapsed before adult ACP made definite plant choices. Ultimately, most adults settled on C. reticulata, intermediate numbers on M. paniculata, and few on R. simsii. However, at least some ACP adults were always observed on R. simsii, suggesting that adults regularly moved within a cage among the plant species. Regular movement of adults between plants would favor dissemination not only of its population but also of HLB. Adult ACP showed a strong preference for settling on flush leaves as opposed to mature leaves or other plant locations, and larger flush shoots were as attractive as tiny new shoots. It is likely that host plant volatiles such as those associated with flush attract ACP adults and regulate how fast and where they settle on a plant.

Technical Abstract: The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, is the vector of huanglongbing (HLB), considered to be the most devastating disease of citrus worldwide. Knowledge of the ACP’s host-plant finding behavior aids in our understanding of the epidemiology of HLB and in designing experiments to investigate host plant resistance to ACP. We present the results of research conducted to assess the ability of adult ACP to distinguish between a non-host plant [Rhododendron simsii Planch. (Ericales: Ericaceae)] and two host plant species [Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack and “Lugan” Citrus reticulata Blanco (Sapindales: Rutaceae)] in a caged, free-choice situation. After being introduced into cages with the three plant species, more than nine hours elapsed before adult ACP made definite plant choices. Subsequently for more than seven days, although adults were observed on R. simsii each time the plants were inspected, greater numbers were usually observed on M. paniculata or C. reticulata. Ultimately, most adults were on C. reticulata, intermediate numbers were on M. paniculata, and few were on R. simsii. However, at least some ACP adults were always observed on R. simsii, suggesting that adults regularly moved within a cage among the plant species. Regular movement of adults between plants would favor dissemination not only of its population but also of HLB. Adult ACP showed a strong preference for settling on flush leaves as opposed to mature leaves or other plant locations, and larger flush shoots were as attractive as tiny new shoots. It is likely that host plant volatiles such as those associated with flush attract ACP adults and regulate how fast and where they settle on a plant.