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Researchers Use Wasps To Protect Citrus Trees From Greening

Christina Herrick Posted by Christina Herrick|September 2, 2015
Tamarixia radiata is a predatory wasp that attacks the nymphs of Asian citrus psyllid. (Photo credit: CDFA)

Tamarixia radiata is a predatory wasp that attacks the nymphs of Asian citrus psyllid. (Photo credit: CDFA)

A recent story in the Los Angeles Times highlights some of the new research being conducted in the fight against the Asian citrus psyllid and Huanglongbing, or citrus greening disease.

David Morgan, a biocontrol specialist with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has been studying the impact of Tamarixia radiata, a natural enemy of the Asian citrus psyllid, as part of a Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Program. Since 2011, 2.4 million Tamarixia radiata have been released in a 40,000-square-mile area.

Researchers are mostly focusing on urban citrus populations.

Morgan is also studying a second parasitic wasp, Diaphorencyrtus aligarhensis.

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These particular wasps lay eggs on the underside of Asian citrus psyllids and hatch and feed on juvenile psyllids. Adult wasps also prey on psyllid nymphs.

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Christina Herrick is former Editor of American Fruit Grower magazine and Western Fruit Grower magazine, published by Meister Media Worldwide. See all author stories here.