WANTED - Asian Citrus Psyllid

Source: Elizabeth E. Grafton-Cardwell et al. - IPM Specialist and Research Entomologist, Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside.

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama is a pest of citrus and close relatives of citrus. Asian citrus psyllid causes direct plant damages through feeding but its ability to transmit the devastating bacterial disease Citrus greening or “Huanglongbing” is what must keep the California citrus industry at high alert.

Citrus greening infected trees produce fruit that is unsuitable for sale as fresh fruit or for juice. Fruits are small, lopsided, unevenly colored and bitter. Citrus trees with greening decline and die within a few years. The average productive lifespan of citrus trees is reduced from 50 or more years to 15 or less. Tree removal is the only effective control measure for the disease.

Asian citrus psyllid has been already found in Texas, Mexico and Florida. If you identify any of the following insect stages in your groves, nurseries or back yard trees please contact your local Ag commissioner or Cooperative Extension Farm Advisor.

Adults . Psyllids are small insects, 3-4 mm (0.1-0.15 inch) in length. Adult Asian citrus psyllids are brownish and usually feed on the underside of leaves leaving white waxy deposits. They feed with their heads down almost touching the surface of the leaf and, because of the shape of their head, their bodies are lifted at about a 45° angle.

Photograph by: Elizabeth E. Grafton-Cardwell et al.

Eggs . Eggs are almond shaped and have a bright yellow-orange color. They are laid on the tips of growing shoots or in the crevices of unfolded “feather flush” leaves.

Photograph by: Douglas L. Caldwell, University of Florida.

Nymphs. Asian citrus psyllid nymphs (0.25 – 1.7 mm in length, apx 0.07 inch) are generally yellowishorange in color and feed exclusively on new growth.

Photograph by: Elizabeth E. Grafton-Cardwellet al.