Agroclimatic risk of development of Diaphorina citri in the citrus region of Nuevo Leon, Mexico

Abstract

Diaphorina citri is the insect vector of the disease, Huanglongbing (HLB) which is the most devastating citrus disease worldwide. It is necessary to identify potential risks; this can be done based on favorable thermo-pluviometrical conditions for the vector. The present study aims to identify potential risks in the Nuevo Leon citrus region in areas, which have not yet been devastated by the citrus disease. The presence of HLB and the population growth of the D. citri will be influenced by four factors involved in the epidemiological system: the disease-prone host - citrus fruits; the pathogen agent; the biology of the vector; and the climate conditions that foster the vector establishment and reproduction. With information from 65 weather stations, some indices were estimated: potential generations of the vector per year, days with favorable temperature and suitable rainy days for the vector, area planted with citrus fruits, and finally, the potential risk index. This shows that the Nuevo León citrus region is a HLB free region. The method can be applied to citrus producing areas which have not been devastated by the citrus disease worldwide. Key words: Citrus greening disease, climate conditions, Huanglongbing, potential risks.