Bio-ecology and management of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama on Kagzi lime

Citrus belonging to family Rutaceae, is one of the most important fruit of the world grown in more than hundred countries. Citrus is affected by numerous species of insects, mites and disease pathogens that infest the leaves, flowers, bark, fruit, and branches of citrus. Among the citrus insect pests listed above, psylla, D. citri has been recorded most destructive and the losses ranged from 83-95 per cent. The population of psylla varied considerably among different months. After appearance from second week of January, the population reached at three peaks, first in March, second in June and third in October. The abundance of citrus psylla varied significantly among the varieties/germplasms of citrus tested, where Assam, Urea round, Rough lemon and Chetali were found least susceptible and statistically at par with each other, while Kagzi lime was observed most susceptible. The data on management of citrus psylla revealed that all the treatments significantly reduced the psylla population over control. However, minimum mean population was recorded in imidacloprid 17.8 SL treatment followed by diafenthiuron and thiamethoxam, while the neem oil treatment was found least effective.