Asian Citrus Psyllid: A Threat to Citriculture

Abstract

Citrus is an important world’s leading high valued fruit crop. India ranks 7^th in the production and occupies 3^rd position after mango and banana. Citrus is cultivated under different agro-ecological conditions from arid zone to semi-arid areas of southwest region, humid tropical climate of northeast regions. Citrus cultivation and yield are hindered by various biotic stresses, of which insect pests are prime factor in reducing the profit from the crop cultivation. The insect Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri is major pest causes damage directly as well as act as vector by transmitting “greening disease”. There is growing interest and awareness among the citrus growers to tackle the dreaded pest and disease to sustain the productive yield for a period of 15-20 years. The symptomatology, biology and integrated strategies for the management of citrus psyllid are briefly narrated in the compilation.