Phyllocnistis Citrella Stainton Research Articles

Population dynamics of Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton, 1856 (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae) and impact of its parasitism on clementine trees at the Boufarik-Blida station (Algeria)

Population dynamics of Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton, 1856 (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae) and impact of its parasitism on clementine trees at the Boufarik-Blida station (Algeria)

Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton, 1856 Control Methods in the Lankaran-Astara Region

Research has been carried out on the biology and ecology of Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton. This is one of the main pests of lemon and tangerine gardens in Azerbaijan. To combat this pest, various agricultural methods and chemicals were used. The most effective combinations have been identified. A detailed description is given in the work. Guidelines for pest risk assessment have been developed, emphasizing measures to protect citrus orchards from heavy infestation by Phyllocnistis citrella.

Parasitoid guild of the citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) in Tunisian citrus orchards and a new report of Cirrospilus ingenuus Gahan (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)

A survey of the parasitoid species of the citrus leafminer (CLM), Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), a cosmopolitan pest of citrus, was carried out in 2019 and 2020 in the major citrus production area of Tunisia. Four different Eulophidae species were found: Citrostichus phyllocnistoides (Narayanan), representing 81.82% of the identified parasitoids, Semielacher petiolatus (Girault) (9.40%) and the native species Pnigalio pectinicornis (L.) (2.82%). Cirrospilus ingenuus Gahan (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is a new report for the parasitoid entomofauna of P. citrella in the country, representing 5.96% of the identified parasitoids. It has probably spread naturally from other Mediterranean regions. Predation by generalist predators is the main mortality factor of CLM (up to 59.11% of the mortality was caused by natural enemies), followed by parasitism (oviposition) (22.47%) and host-feeding (18.42%). Second and third instar larvae of the CLM were the preferred stages for parasitism. Host-feeding and generalist predators’ attacks were most common on first and second instars. Data highlighting the ability for C. phyllocnistoides to develop and disperse clearly predominates in Tunisian citrus orchards. Citrostichus phyllocnistoides may compete with S. petiolatus, exerting a complementary action to that of C. phyllocnistoides, particularly earlier in the season when the densities of the latter species are low. Further studies focusing on inter-specific relationships between these two exotic parasitoids are needed in order to test whether the observed field results could have been estimated from laboratory assays. This will be helpful in critically evaluating the results of the classical biological control programme developed against CLM in Tunisia.

Bio-efficacy of bio-rationals against citrus leaf miner (Phyllocnistis citrella) in acid lime (Citrus aurantiifolia)

The field experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) 2020–21 and rainy (kharif) season of 2021–22 at College of Agriculture (University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad), Vijayapura, Karnataka to evaluate efficacy of bio-rationals against citrus leaf miner (Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton). The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design (RBD) with 8 treatments, viz. bio digester solution (10%); pongamia leaf extract (5%); Prosopis juliflora leaf extract (5%); Beauveria bassiana (2 × 108 conidia/g) (1 kg/ha); Bacillus thuringiensis 8 L (1 L/ha); neem-based insecticide (10000 ppm) (1.5 L/ha); thiamethoxam 25 wg (125 ml/ha) (standard check); and untreated control (water spray), replicated thrice. Among the selected bio-rationals, two application of neem (Azadirachta indica)-based insecticide recorded significantly lesser number of live mines/shoot followed by bio-digester solution (10%) and these treatments were found superior in controlling citrus leaf miner on acid lime [Citrus aurantiifolia (Christm.) Swingle]. The pongamia leaf extract, Bacillus thuringiensis 8 L and Beauveria bassiana were proved to be moderately affective against this pest. The bio-rationals found effective can be used in integrated management of citrus leaf miner on acid lime.

Spatial Distribution and Damage Severity of Citrus Leafminer (Phyllocnistis spp. Stainton) in Major Citrus Producing Regions of Tanzania

Field survey was conducted to determine the occurrence and damage severity of the citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracilariidae) in major citrus producing regions of Tanzania between December 2011 and September 2012. In total, 14,725 citrus trees and seedlings were assessed to determine the presence or absence of P. citrella as well as its associated damage severity. A total of 10,000 citrus trees (>5 years) were sampled from Morogoro Rural and Muheza Districts, while 4,725 nursery seedlings (<5 years) from Kinondoni District. The damage severity was assessed as described by Horsfall-Barratt scale. Results revealed that leafminers were recorded in nearly all surveyed areas. Kruskal Wallis analysis suggested minimal spatial distribution of the pest incidence among the surveyed locations. Kinondoni district recorded the highest (34.11%) leafminer incidence while Muheza district had the lowest (3.74). However, the damage severity indicated an increasing trend from December 2011 through June 2012 in nursery seedlings at Kinondoni. Weather variables (especially temperature) played an important role to the pest’s development and perpetuation. Further studies need to be conducted to have a wider knowledge of the pest in all the citrus growing regions in the country.

The Effect of Using some Integrated Pest Management Factors on the Life Aspects of the Citrus Leaf Miner Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) in the Laboratory

The study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of some integrated management factors in controlling the citrus leaf miner insect in the laboratory and to choose the best of them for field use to reduce the damage of this pest. The factors which used in this study involved two chemical pesticides Movento and Oxymatrine, as well as the use of growth regulators Match and biological fungi Beauveria bassiana (B.b..) and Metarhizium anisopliae (M.a..) and the interaction among them to get the most effective way to control the pest. The results of the study showed Movento is the most studied factor affecting the citrus miner insect in terms of the death rate on the larvae, as it recorded 96.52%, while the growth regulator Match recorded the lowest death rate of 49.20%. As for pupae, the chemical pesticide Movento also excelled by recording the highest death rate, reaching 62.59%, while the growth regulator Match recorded the lowest death rate for pupae stage, which amounted to 23.96%. It is clear from the results that the pupae are more resistant to factors that been used in this study compared with larvae. Results also proved that adults of insect were more effective with factors that used in this study compared with larvae and pupae stage. Movento pesticide showed mortality percentage reached to 100% for adults compared with growth regulator Match, which scored 73.62%, while it did not differ from the pesticide Oxymatrine, which gave 99.14%. The results of interactions among the factors on the larvae of the citrus leaf miner showed that the treatments Movento, Oxymatrine and Match, Movento+B.b.., total interaction had the highest mortality rate for the larvae stage which recorded 100% followed by the treatments Oxymatrine and the Movento + M.a. which recorded 95.56% each. While B.b. and M.a. treatments and the interaction between them, recorded the lowest mortality rate, reaching 9.25, 23.80, and 23.33%, respectively, as for pupae stage. The total interaction treatment only gave the highest mortality rate for pupae of the citrus leaf miner insect, as it recorded 100% and followed by the treatments Movento + B.b. and Movento + Match, which recorded 95.56% for each, while the treatments B.b. and M.a. was recorded the lowest death rate, which amounted to 6.68, 18.73, and 16.66%, respectively.

Temperature-dependent effects on some biological aspects of two ectoparasitoids of Phyllocnistiscitrella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae)

BackgroundTemperature alters host suitability for the development of parasitoids through direct (thermal effect) and indirect (parental effect) pathways. The effects of three temperature regimes on the development and survival of two parasitoid species, Citrostichusphyllocnistoides (Narayanan) and Cirrospilusingenuus Gahan (Eulophidae: Hymenoptera) of the citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistiscitrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) was evaluated. The experiment was conducted at 20, 25, and 30°C temperatures with 65 ± 2% relative humidity (R.H.) and 16h: 8h (L: D) photoperiod.ResultsIn C.phyllocnistoides, the pre-ovipositional period was longer at 20°C, while non- significant difference was observed in the pre-ovipositional period of C.ingenuus under the effect of different temperatures (P > 0.05). The ovipositional period of C.phyllocnistoides and C.ingenuus was higher at 20°C and gradually decreased by increasing the temperature. Non- significant (P > 0.05) difference was found in post-ovipositional period of both parasitoid species. Both species exhibited the maximum fecundity at 25°C, while, the minimum fecundity was recorded at 30°C. However, the adult longevity of both parasitoid species was highest at 20°C and gradually decreased by increasing the temperature. In both parasitoids, the parasitism rate was highest at 25°C.ConclusionThis study highlighted the importance of thermal effects on some parasitoid species of insect pests to predict the future of trophic dynamics in global warming situations.

Arthropod Biodiversity of Citrus Ecosystem with Special Reference to Citrus Leaf Miner

The citrus leaf miner (CLM), scientifically known as Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton and belonging to the Gracillaridae family, is a significant nuisance for citrus nurseries and the tender leaves of young citrus plants. Damage caused by the larvae is conspicuous especially on the young foliage during initial phase of development and the management of the pest is highly critical. The present studies were carried out at ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur during 2013 to 2015 to document the species composition of bioagents (parasitoids and predators), their incidence levels and species richness/ diversity in citrus ecosystems with reference to citrus leaf miner. During the study, we documented individuals from two classes, four orders and six families of insects. Class Insecta was dominant followed by Arachnida. Among the six families, Eulophidae and Coccinellidae were the most dominant bioagent groups for parasitoid and predator, respectively. Relative abundance of the bioagents of P. citrella revealed that C. phyllocnistoides was the predominant one and constituted 30% of total bioagents collected followed by Cirrospilus sp. (including C. quadristriatus, C. ingenuus) (25%), E. brevicornis (15%) and S. striatipes (9%). Coccinellids constituted about 3%; whereas, chrysopid predator, M. desjardinsi and spider species constituted 13% and 7%, respectively of the total bioagent collection. Understanding of the bioagent complex in citrus ecosystem will help us to identify the promising ones for biological control as well as guide us the bioagent active frame to avoid pesticide sprays to sustain them naturally in the ecosystem.

Effect of gamma irradiation on F1 generation and competitive ability of Phyllocnistis citrella and Ostrinia nubilalis, and evaluation of the sterile insect release ratio on plant infestation in field cages

AbstractCitrus leafminer (CLM), Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), and European corn borer (ECB), Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), are two key pests of young citrus and maize plants in Iran, respectively. In this study, the effects of sub‐sterilizing doses of gamma radiation (100–250 Gy for CLM, 90–180 Gy for ECB) on the biological and reproductive parameters of F1 progeny from irradiated males were determined. The results indicated that males irradiated at doses of ≥200 and ≥150 Gy produced highly sterile F1 descents for CLM and ECB, respectively. No adverse effects of radiation doses applied to males were observed on the F1 pupal emergence for both species, nor on the adult longevity of male and female ECB moths. However, the life span of CLM F1 male and female adults decreased with increasing doses. The sex ratio of emerged adults of F1 progeny from irradiated males was skewed towards males with increasing doses; the proportion of males to all emerged adults reached 0.52 and 0.54 at doses of 250 and 150 Gy for CLM and ECB, compared to 0.44 and 0.49 in the controls, respectively. The competitiveness index of irradiated and F1 males of both species fluctuated in acceptable ranges and in general F1 males were stronger competitors than their irradiated male parents. The results of the field cage experiments showed that the larval infestation in all cages including the released irradiated CLM and ECB moths decreased compared to the control treatment – the percentage of damaged leaves and stems in the cages with ratios of 20:1 and 7:1 irradiated‐to‐normal insects (highest ratios assayed) reached half and one‐third of the control for CLM and ECB, respectively.

Evidence of Seasonal Variation in Body Color in Adults of the Parasitoid Cirrospilus pictus (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) in Sicily, Italy.

As part of the studies on the morphological color variation of insects, a case study on the seasonal body color variation of Cirrospilus pictus (Nees) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Eulophinae) parasitoid of leafminers is reported. Observations were made from January 2000 to December 2003 in north-western Sicily (Italy), in relation to sex, body regions of adults and seasonal periods. Wasps parasitizing Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) were collected from organic citrus orchards (Citrus limon L., var. "Femminello zagara bianca" and "Femminello comune"). Adults were grouped in classes: yellow males, black males, yellow females, yellow-black females and black females. The results highlighted a phenotypic pigmentation variation in the head, thorax, gaster and legs of individuals influenced by the season of sampling. Adults were yellow-green in summer months, whereas individuals with dark pigmentation were found in autumn and winter months. A correlation between color patterns and seasonal temperatures was found for both females and males. This work provides a contribution to the description of the intraspecific variability of this species, improving its identification.

Plant defense to herbivore: role of leaf epicuticular wax composition of citrus cultivars in citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) larval density

Aiming to assess the role of leaf waxy cuticle and its chemical composition on citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) larval feeding, six citrus cultivars were selected. Our findings showed that the larval density was higher at 59.5% on Mayer lime followed by 53.6% on Kinnow and the least activity of CLM was found (19.3-38.4%) on Musambi. The cuticular wax layer was found greater (67.6 µg/cm2) in Tangerine (Fairchild) followed by 59.6 µg/cm2 in Succari and 56.0 µg/cm2 in Musambi. The results showed that the epicuticular wax layer had negative and significant (P < 0.05) relation with the larval density. Other chemical compounds; aldehyde, alcohol, fatty acid, and hydrocarbon showed non-significant relation with the CLM larval density. Multiple regression analysis showed a 33.5% role of epicuticular wax with CLM larval density. The cultivars such as Succari and Musambi with a greater amount of leaf wax showed a lower density of CLM larvae. The study provides important information on wax related compounds involved in citrus-CLM interaction, which can help in developing an efficient control strategy for this destructive pest.

Field persistence and pathogenicity of Cordyceps fumosorosea for management of Diaphorina citri

ABSTRACT The commercial fungal biopesticide product PFR-97 20% WDG, based on the entomopathogenic fungus Cordyceps fumosorosea (Cfr), is registered in the U.S.A. for foliar sprays on citrus. The persistence of Cfr suspensions (107 blastospores/mL) applied to grapefruit plants was evaluated under summer field conditions in southern Florida. Concurrently leaf disk bioassays were conducted to evaluate the pathogenicity of fungal residues on field-aged leaves against the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama. The results demonstrated that Cfr persisted for at least 35 days under our field conditions and caused up to 40% ACP mortality when used in bioassays. There was a general trend of higher colony forming unit counts and a correspondingly higher ACP mortality with the residue age of field-treated leaves. We hypothesise that under certain environmental conditions the Cfr propagule residues will germinate, produce hyphae, phialides and develop conidia on the leaf phylloplane over time. During this study, an adult citrus leafminer Phyllocnistis citrella (Stainton), another important pest of citrus was observed mycosed with Cfr hyphae and subsequently attached to the citrus leaf. Our study shows that Cfr can potentially provide supplemental longer-term management for ACP. Abiotic and biotic factors that may affect the field activity of Cfr and other mycoinsecticides over time are discussed.

Efficiency Of Thiamethoxam And Acetamiprid Against Citrus Leafminer (CLM), Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae)

Citrus leafminer (CLM), Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), is an important pest of citrus and related Rutaceae and ornamental plants almost worldwide. Pesticides are considered an essential, effective, and efficient control tool for leafminer. This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of two novel pesticides, thiamethoxam (0.25 g L−1) and acetamiprid (0.25 ml L−1) against citrus leafminer larvae. Two laboratory bioassays, leaf-dip bioassay (LDB) and topical bioassay (TB) were used to evaluate the efficiency of tested pesticides. Results conducted that thiamethoxam was more potent in citrus leafminer larvae than acetamiprid with percent mortality of (75%) and (100%) through leaf dip bioassay and topical bioassay, respectively after 24 hours of application. On the other hand, acetamiprid was also effective to control CLM with a percent of mortality up to 58.3% and 91.6% after 24h of application by both bioassays LDB and TB, respectively. The median lethal time (LT50) values showed that the leaf-dip Bioassay of thiamethoxam pesticides was more successful than another method of application, and the other pesticide with value 2.605h.

Impact of Insecticide Treatments for Phyllocnistis citrella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) on Growth and Yield of Young Citrus reticulata Mandarins.

The citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton, is an invasive pest of citrus whose larvae damage developing leaves, which can impact tree photosynthetic capacity and may ultimately reduce tree growth and yield. Damage is most pronounced in young trees due to their greater propensity for production of new foliage, which supports P. citrella oviposition and larval development. We studied P. citrella damage and tree growth and yield among different insecticide treatment regimes to gauge their effectiveness at protecting young citrus trees. Three levels of insecticide treatments were applied over 3 yr to 'Tango' mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) citrus trees planted in the prior summer, which were inspected regularly along with untreated trees. Leaves suitable for oviposition by P. citrella were available during all census dates, though their numbers fluctuated in the summer months. Phyllocnistis citrella were suppressed for 2-3 wk by systemic or foliar treatments of insecticides. The higher number of treatments provided more sustained suppression of larvae. Trunk diameter was unchanged and canopy volume affected by only the most aggressive treatment regime. However, citrus yield was 2-2.5 times higher following the second year of treatments and 1.2- to 1.8-fold times following the third year of treatments for trees in the treatment regimes that included systemic imidacloprid plus 2-3 or 4-5 foliar applications, respectively, relative to untreated controls. Suitable leaf flush and larval densities declined over the 3 yr of the study. These data support the use of insecticidal control of P. citrella to protect young 'Tango' mandarin trees, but demonstrated that frequent applications are necessary to suppress populations.

Evaluation of Pheromone Lure and Resistance to Some Insecticides in Phyllocnistis Citrella

This study on the assessment of pheromone lure and resistance to insecticides in citrus leaf miner Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton revealed that there were maximum trap catches of adults from the last week of July to second week of August. The LC50 values of dimethoate 30EC and imidacloprid 17.8SL in the field and nursery were 81.19, 87.18, and 47.42, 43.35 ppm, respectively. At Katol, these values were 79.76, 76.77 and 46.30, 47.48 ppm, respectively. The samples of P. citrella analysed indicated the increasing resistance to dimethoate 30EC in acid lime nursery at Akola. For imidacloprid 17.8SL, at Katol on Nagpur mandarin there was exhibition of resistance.

Chemical and biological approaches for citrus leafminer Phyllocnistis citrella stainton control in a Clementine Orchard, in Moulouya region of Morocco

The citrus leafminer (CLM), Phyllocnistis citrella is considered an important pest in young citrus nurseries and plantations around the world, as Morocco. Since management of CLM is based primarily on the use of insecticides, a study was developed to use biological approaches along with rational and limited insecticide usage for an integrated management program based on degree-days (DD) required for insect generations. This study was conducted over three years (2017, 2018 and 2019) in Clementine (Citrus reticutala ‘Berkane’) fields located at Berkane area, Morocco. Citrus leafminer adults were monitored with two delta traps baited with pheromone capsules and checked weekly from early April to early September each year. Additionally, a weekly sampling of young leaves from new young shoots showing CLM injury symptoms was conducted to identify the status of larvae or pupae, and the influence of natural enemies (parasitoids and predators). During 2017 and 2018, four peaks of adult flights were observed while five peaks were detected in 2019. However, several overlapping generations occurred according to DD recorded during the study period (seven generations in 2017, six in 2018 and eight until early September 2019). The use of DD indicated that two insecticide applications in each 2018 and 2019 for control of CLM were not needed. The maximum infestation level detected was 90% in early August 2017, and 100% near the beginning and end of July for 2018 and 2019, respectively, with CLM larvae and pupae most detected. The maximum rate of parasitism was observed in non-treated controls in late July 2017 at 37%, early July 2018 at 48%, and late August 2019 at 32%. The parasitoids of CLM identified were Citrostichus phyllocnistoides, Semielacher petiolatus, Cirrospilus pictus (most abundant), Cirrospilus vittatus, Pnigalio sp. and Chrysocharis sp., while the main predators were ants, ladybugs and spiders.

Ovipositional antixenosis to Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton in Citrus genotypes and related genera

This study evaluated oviposition of citrus leaf miner (CLM), Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), in different Citrus genotypes and related genera to search for resistance sources of type antixenosis or no preference for oviposition. Initially, we screened 23 genotypes and we used lime ‘Rugoso’ (Citrus jambhiri Lush.) as the susceptibility standard. Based on the number of eggs and pupae found on the plants, five genotypes were most promising to significantly reduce pest population: trifoliata ‘Limeira’ (Poncirus trifoliata), hybrids M x P222 [Citrus sinensis × Tangor Murcott (Citrus sinensis × C. reticulata)], C x R4 (Citrus sunki × P. trifoliata) and C x R315 (C. sunki × P. trifoliata) and tangerine ‘Sunki’ (C. sunki). In the preference test for oviposition with choice, trifoliata ‘Limeira’ and hybrid C x R315 were the least preferred genotypes by CLM, while in the no choice test, the effect of the genotypes was less evident, with a difference only between trifoliata ‘Limeira’ (less oviposited) and lime ‘Rugoso’ (more oviposited). Thus, trifoliata ‘Limeira’ and hybrid C x R315 are potential sources of antixenosis resistance and could be used in breeding programs to incorporate CLM resistance factors in improved genotypes.

Physiological Characteristics of Citrus Plants Infested with Citrus Leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae)

ABSTRACT Plants and insects are members of diverse ecological communities. Feeding of herbivore insects may damage the host plants indirectly by altering the photosynthetic activity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological changes in citrus plants due to citrus leafminer (CLM) Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Gracillariidae: Lepidoptera) larval feeding under field condition. Plants from four economically important citrus cultivars, Citrus reticulata (Kinnow and seedless Kinnow), Citrus tangerines (Fairchild), and Citrus paradisi Macfad (Grapefruit), were selected randomly and leaf damage was assessed through an image analysis technique. The results showed that percent leaf damage was higher at 44.2% on Fairchild compared to other cultivars at 19th day of post-feeding. The reduction in leaf photosynthesis (Pn), stomatal conductance (C), and transpiration rate (E) rates due to larval feeding through 19th day was found consistent in all cultivars except Grapefruit. After 13 days, Pn and gaseous exchange rates in damaged leaves of Grapefruit recovered to some extent but remained significantly lower than in control through 19th day. Reduction in all three physiological parameters in infested leaves was ranged as Fairchild > Kinnow > seedless Kinnow > Grapefruit compared to their level in control. Percent of leaf damage had a strong and negative relation with Pn, C, and E in all citrus cultivars except Grapefruit in which all variables showed a weak relation. Conclusively, P. citrella may cause a serious threat to citrus plants even at lower levels of infestation, and these physiological impairments could be more intense in regions with high P. citrella population.

Citrus Leafminer Management: Jasmonic Acid versus Efficient Pesticides

The citrus leafminer (Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton) is a significant pest for Citrus spp. worldwide. Hence, the effectiveness of jasmonic acid (JA) was compared to three pesticides, abamectin, thiamethoxam, and acetamiprid, against P. citrella infesting mandarin (Citrus reticulata L.) and lime (C. aurantifolia L.) seedlings. Mortality rate was significantly different due to JA and other pesticides treatments. Moreover, on the 3rd day after treatment, JA demonstrated the highest reduction percentage of leafminer (77.08 and 33.33%) on mandarin and lime, respectively. By the 10th day after treatment, JA and abamectin displayed 100% reduction in both plant species. Furthermore, the foliar application of JA enhanced the most vegetative characteristics in the treated seedlings, including growth rate (shoot length/root length), fresh and dry weights of shoot and root as well as the number of leaves/seedling. Moreover, soluble protein content was increased significantly under JA treatment in the two Citrus spp. Jasmonic acid showed a good biological activity, which gives a practical reason to recommend it to be integrated in pest management programs as an alternative product for controlling P. citrella.

First record of Phyllocnistis citrella in Hungary, a micromoth species pest on Citrus (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae)

Several larvae of Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton, 1856 were found mining in lemon leaves in Kistarcsa, Central Hungary. Seven specimens emerged in August 2020. They are deposited as vouchers in the Hungarian Natural History Museum, Budapest. These are the first records of the species occurring in Hungary. With 3 figures.