Effect of flush intensity of Pera sweet orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) on population dynamic of Xylella fastidiosa vectors

• Author(s): Busoli, Antonio; Roberto, Sergio;
• Abstract: The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effect of the flush intensity of Pera sweet orange on population dynamic of the most common vectors of Xylella fastidiosa, causal agent of Citrus Variegated Chlorosis. The research was carried out in two citrus regions of the Sao Paulo State, Brazil, North and Center, and at each one four orchards of Pera sweet orange grafted on Rangpur lime (C. limonia Osbeck) were randomly sampled. Monthly, ten yellow stick traps were regularly distributed at 1.5 m above the ground in ten plants of each grove, hung from branches located on the north side of the trees canopy. After seven days, the traps were evaluated in relation to the capture of the sharpshooters Acrogonia sp, Dilobopterus costalimai and Oncometopia facialis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), and the plants in relation to their vegetative development, through a flush intensity grades. The higher activity periods of the sharpshooters was performed through the captures average observed on summer, fall, winter and spring. The evaluations started on December of 1996 and were extended up to November of 1997. It was calculated positive correlation between the plant flush intensity and the population dynamic of Acrogonia sp and D. costalimai in both regions. No significant difference was observed on the activity of sharpshooters in relation to the four seasons.
• Publication Date: Jan 1999
• Journal: Cientifica (Jaboticabal)