Conservation of natural enemies of Diaphorina citri and their impact on Huanglongbing: Analysis and perspectives

Abstract

Diaphorina citri is the main vector of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), the causative agent of HLB, the most devastating citrus disease. Although the importance of biological control is recognized, insecticides are the main control tool used. Its use in citrus should be cautious, as it could interfere with the biocontrol of exotic pests already present. Diaphorina citri has a wide range of natural enemies; however, only the parasitoid Tamarixia radiata and some species of entomopathogenic fungi are used inundatively. Although the main predators of the vector occur naturally, few studies address their conservation in situ. This review supports the idea that the conservation of natural enemies should be the basis of the integrated management of D. citri and CLas. The conservation of alternate hosts, the inclusion of nectar plants, in situ conservation of parasitoids, and the autodissemination of entomopathogenic fungi are proposed. Studies carried out on conservation of natural enemies of D. citri and related pests, their probable impact on the disease, and prospects for implementation in Mexico are analyzed and discussed. The proposed strategies could enhance not only the biological control of D. citri-CLas, but also the autoregulation of citrus pests in general.