Population Dynamics and Aspects of the Biology of Citrus Psylla, Diaphorina citri Kuw., in Maharashtra

Abstract

Citrus greening disease has destroyed many flourishing citrus gardens in the State of Maharashtra, India. The psyllid vector of greening disease, Dkphorina citri Kuw., is of common occurrence in almost all the citrus orchards of this region. In addition to citrus, the psylla also infest and breed on Mumya koenigii plants throughout the year. The population build-up of this vector is mainly related to the flushing rhythms of the plants. The maximum population on Mosambi sweet orange and citropsis (Citropsis schweinfurthii) is found in January and February, whereas the lowest population density occur from July to October following monsoon rains. The life span of the psylla depends on the plant species on which it breeds.