Synergistic impact of semiochemicals of plant parts and prey on chemotaxis response of Chrysoperla carnea

Abstract

Abstract Diaphorina citri is a major pest of citrus tress because it is the vector of citrus greening. Growers rely on insecticides to manage D. citri, but these have side effects (e.g., pollution, public health issues, pest resistance, etc.). There is a need to assess the role of semiochemicals in the biological control of D. citri. A four‐armed olfactometer was used to evaluate the orientation response of larval Chrysoperla carnea, a natural enemy, to odours produced by young leaves, mature leaves, ripe fruit and fruit peel of mandarine orange (Citrus reticulata). Lacewing responses to both uninfested plant parts and infested with D. citri were measured. Results showed that C. carnea discriminated between the volatiles emitted by plant parts and citrus psyllid. In all tested combinations (I‐V), both in the absence and presence of citrus psyllid, all first, second and three C. carnea preferred the volatiles of fresh leaves and old leaves over other plant parts. Moreover, all three instars of the predator significantly preferred the area having volatile of citrus psyllid. Volatiles of fresh leaves and old leaves can be used in the management of citrus psyllid. Moreover, this tritrophic interaction could play a vital role in developing IPM strategies for the management of citrus psylla.