Biological control of the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) by Entomopathogenic fungi and their side effects on natural enemies

Abstract Background The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) is an insect pest species responsible for damages of fruit quality and tree health. This a vector bacteria ‘ Candidatus Liberibacter’ spp . putative causal agent greening disease known as Huanglongbing (HLB), considered one the most destructive diseases orchards worldwide. Disease management mainly based on control using pesticides which can affect natural enemies that play important role in control. entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) Beauveria bassiana (2067 2121) Metarhizium anisopliae (2411) were achieved by applying suspension 1 × 10 7 spores against D. nymphs artificially infected seedlings under controlled semi-field conditions. Also, activity these EPFs coccinellid lacewing predators was evaluated. effects main chemicals used plantations selected possible combined use also investigated. Results obtained results showed conditions, percentage mortality produced EPF varied between 82.8 85.9%. Under infection caused M. 2411 strain significantly higher than B. 2067, 78.9 51%, respectively. Non-significant effect observed, suggesting had compatible effects. Conclusion study clearly demonstrated able to kill be explored promissory biocontrol candidate. Simultaneous integrated program could with pesticides.