A failed field test has led to a major discovery about Asian citrus psyllids (ACP). According to new research, the bacterium that causes HLB disease can interfere with ACP’s sense of smell, rendering some kinds of insect traps useless. The work is currently available as a preprint.
HLB, also known as citrus greening, is caused by the Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) bacterium. Like many insects, male psyllids use their sense of smell to locate females. One strategy to control the pest is to use traps baited with acetic acid to lure and kill males. Field tests of acetic acid traps in California citrus groves, which are free of the HLB, showed promising results.
Read the full article on citrusindustry.net .
