Seasonal fluctuation of Asian Citrus psylla populations in the citrus orchards infected with Huanglongbing in Sargodha, Pakistan

Abstract

A study on seasonal fluctuation in Citrus psylla (Diaphorina citri) (CP) population in citrus orchards infected with Huanglongbing was carried out in relation to environmental factors in six tehsils of Sargodha district. The population of citrus psylla was reached to the peak twice in a year. Young flushes favored the build-up in psylla population. Minimum temperature and rainfall had highly significant correlation with build-up in population of citrus psylla in all the six tehsils of Sargodha. Although, high temperature also favored the high population of citrus psylla in two tehsils. August and mid-March to April were the two times when population of citrus psylla reached to the peak. Therefore, an integrated management strategy can be formulated with this study that will not only help in reducing the HLB incidence but also increase in citrus production.