<i>Tamarixia radiata</i>(Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) ×<i>Diaphorina citri</i>(Hemiptera: Liviidae): Mass Rearing and Potential Use of the Parasitoid in Brazil

Abstract

Huanglongbing (HLB) is the most serious disease affecting citriculture worldwide. Its vector in the main producing regions is the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, 1908 (Hemiptera: Liviidae). Brazil has the largest orange-growing area and is also the largest exporter of processed juice in the world. Since the first detection of the disease in this country, >38 million plants have been destroyed and pesticide consumption has increased considerably. During early research on control methods, the parasitoid Tamarixia radiata (Waterston, 1922) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) was found in Brazil. Subsequent studies focused on its bio-ecological aspects and distribution in citrus-producing regions. Based on successful preliminary results for biological control with T. radiata in small areas, mass rearing was initiated for mass releases in Brazilian conditions. Here, we review the Brazilian experience using T. radiata in D. citri control, with releases at sites of HLB outbreaks, adjacent to commercial areas, in abandoned groves, areas with orange jessamine (a psyllid host), and backyards.