Poster Display
Plant-Insect Ecosystems
Casey Amanda Morales, B.S.
Lab Technician
University of Texas
Mission, Texas
Emily R A Miller, B.S.
Lab Technician
University of Texas
Harlingen, Texas
Adryenna Danielle Perez
University of Texas
Mission, Texas
Daniela Sanchez
Biological Science Laboratory Technician
USDA-APHIS
Edinburg, Texas
Yareny Ramirez
USDA-ARS
Edinburg, Texas
Mayra Reyes
Biological
USDA-ARS
Edinburg, Texas
Justin Lloyd Wendel
Research Associate
University of Texas
Edinburg, Texas
Stefan T. Jaronski
Retired
USDA-ARS
Blacksburg, Virginia
Christopher J. Vitek
Professor
University of Texas
Edinburg, Texas
Daniel Flores
Supervisory Entomologist
USDA-APHIS
Edinburg, Texas
Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), commonly known as the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), is a pervasive pest targeting citrus plants. ACP are obligate phloem feeders and vectors of Huanglongbing (HLB), a lethal disease caused by a bacterium that resides in the plant’s vascular system. HLB deteriorates fruit quality and plant health, ultimately causing tree death. To combat the spread of HLB, various strategies are employed to control ACP populations. A promising method involves using entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), noted for their low environmental impact. This study evaluates two commercial formulations of Beauveria bassiana strain ANT-03: Bioceres® wettable powder (WP) and Bioceres® emulsifiable concentrate (EC). The applications were conducted in a local organic citrus orchard. For each treatment, three randomly selected branches were sprayed to the point of runoff. The branches were then enclosed in sleeve cages, infested with 50 unsexed adult ACP, and collected four days post-application. The collected ACP were surface sterilized, plated onto selective water agar, and incubated for 7 days at 27.5°C. Mycosis was evaluated by documenting the presence or absence of B. bassiana in ACP cadavers, and the average mycosis rate was calculated. Preliminary data indicates that the formulation’s effectiveness is influenced by temperature. During cooler conditions (17-19⁰C), the difference in mycosis rates between formulations is minimal. However, at higher temperatures (36⁰C-40⁰C), the EC formulation significantly outperforms the WP. Further trials are underway to determine the more effective product for managing ACP populations in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, TX.