Interactions between natural enemies of the asian citrus psyllid in south Florida

Abstract

Two investigations were conducted to determine the interaction of natural enemies with Tamarixia radiata, an ectoparasitoid of Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera:Psyllidae) in Homestead, Florida. The first study focused on the effect of the predador Zelus longipes on the populations of D. citri and its parasitoid T. radiata under controlled conditions. Different densities of adults and 1st instar nymphs of Z. longipes were placed in experimental arenas with fixed numbers of D. citri nymphs, adults and T. radiata adults. Adults and nymphs of Z. longipes preyed on adults of D. citri and T. radiata. They also preyed on nymphs of D. citri but at a lower rate. Female Z. longipes adults preying on D. citri showed a Type III funtional response. The interaction between predators and parasitoids and the interference of ants in the performance of the parasitoid T. radiata might partially explain the lack of success of the biological control of D. citri in south Florida.