What is it about?

The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) is a vector of a pathogen associated with greening and thus a major problem in citriculture worldwide. Lures are much needed for improving ACP trapping systems for monitoring populations and surveillance. Previously, we have identified acetic acid as a putative sex pheromone and measured formic acid- and propionic acid-elicited robust electroantennographic responses. We have now thoroughly examined in indoor behavioral assays (4-way olfactometer) and field tests the feasibility of these three semiochemicals as potential lures for trapping ACP. Formic acid, acetic acid, and propionic acid at appropriate doses are male-specific attractants and suitable lures for ACP traps, but they do not act synergistically. An acetic acid-based homemade lure, prepared by impregnating the attractant in a polymer, was active for a day. A newly developed slow-release formulation had equal performance but lasted longer, thus leading to an important improvement in ACP trap capture at low population densities.

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Why is it important?

A newly formulation to improvement ACP trap capture at low population densities.

Perspectives

Promote the monitoring and best control of ACP to reduce the 'Greening' or HLB disease.

Full Professor José Mauricio Simões Bento
Universidade de Sao Paulo Campus de Piracicaba

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This page is a summary of: Laboratory and field evaluation of acetic acid-based lures for male Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, Scientific Reports, September 2019, Springer Science + Business Media,
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49469-3.
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