The history of Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae), biological control in the United States, with special reference to Florida

Asian citrus Psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, is an important invasive pest because it vectors the bacterium responsible for a devastating citrus disease known as huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening. ACP and HLB were first found in the US in Florida in 1998 and 2005, respectively. Both have since been identified in other citrus producing states, including California and Texas. Upon the initial find of ACP, a biological control program was initiated in Florida.  Two species-specific parasitoid wasps were imported from Asia and one, Tamarixia radiata (Waterston), quickly established and spread across the state. Following the appearance of HLB, intensive pesticide programs to reduce ACP populations led to a significant reduction of natural enemies in Florida. A T. radiata mass rearing and augmentative release program was started by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services- Division of Plant Industry. Over 250,000 parasitoids per month are currently being strategically released in Florida to reduce psyllid populations in both managed and unmanaged citrus and Murraya sp. plantings. Augmentative releases can reduce ACP levels, particularly in unmanaged areas, which serve as reservoirs for HLB inoculum and ACP reproduction, increasing pressure on surrounding managed areas. Collaboration and technology transfer to California and Texas have lead to ACP parasitoid mass rearing programs in both states.