Autodissemination and foliar sprays of PFR-97 (Certis Inc., Columbia, MD) microbial insecticide, a blastospore formulation of Isaria fumosorosea Wize (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae), were evaluated for control of Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), on residential citrus. Seasonal trials on dooryard trees in South Texas evaluated: 1) pathogenicity of I. fumosorosea (Ifr) spores on autodisseminators (dispensers) deployed up to 3 wk on grapefruit trees; 2) psyllid control on several citrus species by dispensers and sprays; 3) infection range of the dispenser. Decline in spore pathogenicity over time was similar among dispensers during fall, winter, or spring and decreased by 30% after 1 d, 59% after 7 d, 81% after 14 d, and 100% after 21 d. Dispensers or sprays were equally effective for psyllid control on heavily infested lime trees from fall to spring and reduced mean reproduction (cumulative eggs) by 90% and mean attack intensity (cumulative psyllid-days) of adults by 76% and nymphs by 82%. Dispensers or sprays were also equally effective for psyllid control on lightly infested lime trees from spring to mid-summer and on orange or grapefruit trees from fall to winter. Very light infestations on grapefruit trees from spring to mid-summer were not significantly reduced by dispensers or sprays. Psyllid control was not improved by combining dispensers and sprays. Adult psyllids infected by Ifr were recovered in trees located 3–4 m away from trees with dispensers but not at greater distances. PFR-97 dispensers could be a treatment option for D. citri in settings where chemical control is problematic.
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30 July 2018
Field Efficacy of Autodissemination and Foliar Sprays of an Entomopathogenic Fungus, Isaria fumosorosea (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae), for Control of Asian Citrus Psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae), on Residential Citrus
Andrew Chow,
Christopher A. Dunlap,
Mark A. Jackson,
Pasco B. Avery,
Joseph M. Patt,
Mamoudou Sétamou
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Journal of Economic Entomology
Vol. 111 • No. 5
October 2018
Vol. 111 • No. 5
October 2018
Asian citrus psyllid
autodissemination
biological control
entomopathogenic fungi
microbial control