Laboratory and field evaluation of acetic acid-based lures for male Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri

Sci Rep. 2019 Sep 9;9(1):12920. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-49469-3.

Abstract

The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) is a vector of a pathogen associated with greening and thus a major problem in citriculture worldwide. Lures are much needed for improving ACP trapping systems for monitoring populations and surveillance. Previously, we have identified acetic acid as a putative sex pheromone and measured formic acid- and propionic acid-elicited robust electroantennographic responses. We have now thoroughly examined in indoor behavioral assays (4-way olfactometer) and field tests the feasibility of these three semiochemicals as potential lures for trapping ACP. Formic acid, acetic acid, and propionic acid at appropriate doses are male-specific attractants and suitable lures for ACP traps, but they do not act synergistically. An acetic acid-based homemade lure, prepared by impregnating the attractant in a polymer, was active for a day. A newly developed slow-release formulation had equal performance but lasted longer, thus leading to an important improvement in ACP trap capture at low population densities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetic Acid* / chemistry
  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal
  • Brazil
  • California
  • Citrus / parasitology*
  • Hemiptera*
  • Male
  • Pheromones* / chemistry
  • Volatile Organic Compounds

Substances

  • Pheromones
  • Volatile Organic Compounds
  • Acetic Acid