Host suitability and feeding preference of the African citrus triozid Trioza erytreae Del Guercio (Hemiptera: Triozidae), natural vector of "Candidatus Liberibacter africanus". (30th October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aidoo, Owusu Fordjour; Tanga, Chrysantus Mbi; Khamis, Fathiya Mbarak; Rasowo, Brenda Amondi; Mohamed, Samira Abuelgasim; Badii, Benjamin Kongyeli; Salifu, Daisy; Sétamou, Mamoudou; Ekesi, Sunday; Borgemeister, Christian
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied entomology. Volume 143:Number 3(2019)
• Page Start: 262
• Page End: 270
• Publication Date: 2018-10-30
• Subjects: African citrus greening disease -- African citrus triozids -- host plants -- morphometry -- survivorship; Entomology -- Periodicals; Insect pests -- Periodicals; 595.7
• DOI: 10.1111/jen.12581
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0931-2048

Abstract

Abstract: African citrus greening (ACGD) and huanglongbing (HLB) diseases are the most damaging diseases of citrus worldwide. Currently, the disease has no cure and has been attributed to the collapse of the citrus industry in several countries. In Africa, the causative agent " Candidatus " Liberibacter africanus is vectored by African citrus triozid (ACT) Trioza erytreae Del Guercio (Hemiptera: Triozidae). African citrus triozid is native to Africa but has been recently reported in Asia and Europe. Apart from citrus, Murraya koenigii (L.) and Clausena anisata (Willd) Hook. F. ex Benth. are also considered as preferred host plants. At present, there is scant information on host plant suitability and preference of T. erytreae . Also, there are contradictory reports on its reproduction and survival on rutaceous and non‐rutaceous host plants. In the present study, we tested the suitability and preference of rutaceous and non‐rutaceous trees and shrubs as potential ACT host plants in choice and no‐choice bioassays. The development from egg to the adult stage was longest on Calodendrum capense (Wright & Arn.) Engl. Host plants of superior quality accordingly to several ACT's biological parameters measured also revealed significantly higher morphometric characteristics. Our findings on the host status of the five rutaceous plants imply that these plants can greatly influence the population dynamics of ACT as well as the epidemiology of ACGD, and these can be a useful guide in the area‐wide management of the pest in Kenya.