Entomology

Although foliar insecticide treatments can provide immediate knockdown of resident ACP populations, their persistence can vary. In this study three neonicotinoids applied as a drench– imida-cloprid, thiamethoxam and clothianidin are being assessed for the efficacy and longevity of treatment on different soil types.

The movement of unprotected citrus stock between wholesale and retail nurseries is a major potential source of ACP and HLB spread within California. Treatments with imidacloprid may provide the necessary protection to nursery stock, but the long-term persistence of imida-cloprid within trees has not been evaluated adequately. That is the aim of this project

Brevipalpus Donnadieu (Tenuipalpidae) are serious plant virus vectors and agricultural pests and dissemination of Brevipalpus species through transport of plant material represents a quarantine threat. In this study populations of Brevipalpus from different California citrus growing regions are being surveyed and analyzed using species-specific PCR for identification of Brevipalpus morphotypes.

Presumably ACP adults aggregate and lay eggs on young leaves of citrus via a strong preference for host-plant volatiles. In this research a sensitive single ACP sensillum-electrophysiology assay will be used to identify attractive and repellent volatiles for development of odor-based lures and/or repellents for ACP.