A prototype standalone device to attract male Asian citrus psyllids (Diaphorina citri) using conspecific mating calls

The Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri, insect vector of citrus greening disease, communicates through the plant host using vibrational signals of 200-1200 Hz. For psyllids to mate for the first time, they most often find each other using these vibrational "calls" in a duetting mechanism. We recorded the psyllid mating calls, and played them back to the insects. When we mimicked the psyllid duetting behavior, the psyllids responded as they would to live conspecific psyllids.

We have developed a prototype device for the attraction of male psyllids without human input. The device has successfully attracted male psyllids up the length of a test 10-inch citrus plant. We present this device as a step toward the development of a trap for the male Asian citrus psyllid, one step in an integrated approach to bring about an end to citrus greening disease.

See more of: 17 - Graduate Student TMP Competition: P-IE
See more of: Student TMP Competition

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