Spider venom neurotoxin based bioinsecticides: A novel bioactive for the control of the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera).

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), is a key vector of the phloem-limited bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) associated with huanglongbing (HLB), the most serious and currently incurable disease of citrus worldwide. Here we report the first investigation into the potential use of a spider venom-derived recombinant neurotoxin, ω/κ-HxTx-Hv1h (hereafter HxTx-Hv1h) when delivered alone or when fused to snowdrop lectin (Galanthus nivalis agglutinin; GNA) to control D. citri.

Density and Dispersal Radius of Tamarixia radiata for Control of Diaphorina citri in Citrus Groves.

Tamarixia radiata (Waterston) is the main parasitoid wasp released in abandoned, organic, and non-commercial citrus groves and in orange jasmine areas  for biological control of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (a vector of bacteria associated with huanglongbing), as a control tactic in a strategy termed External Management. The effectiveness of parasitism is influenced by the release density and radius of action of this parasitoid. This study determined the optimal release density and radius of action of T.

Resistance of True Citrus species to Diaphorina citri.

Background: Host genetic resistance is a promising strategy for the management of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), and consequently Huanglongbing (HLB). To date, no study has investigated the resistance to D. citri in the clonal and vegetatively propagated plants of the Microcitrus, Eremocitrus, and Atalantia genera.

Frequency of processed kaolin application to prevent Diaphorina citri infestation and dispersal in flushing citrus orchards.

Background: Processed kaolin is a promising tactic that can be utilized for managing Diaphorina citri Kuwayama infestation. However, the frequency of kaolin application to protect citrus trees during flushing remains undetermined. The objective of this study was to ascertain the frequency of kaolin application (2%) required to reduce D.