FIELD EVALUATION OF BOTANICAL AND SYNTHETIC INSECTICIDES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF ASIAN CITRUS PSYLLID (DIAPHORINA CITRI) IN CITRUS ORCHARDS
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Keywords
Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, botanical insecticides, synthetic insecticides, citrus greening, HLB, field evaluation, integrated pest management
Abstract
The Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), is the most destructive insect pest of citrus worldwide due to its role as the primary vector of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, the causal agent of Huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus greening disease. Current management relies heavily on synthetic insecticides, but resistance development and environmental concerns have increased interest in botanical alternatives. This study evaluated the field efficacy of three botanical insecticides (neem oil, azadirachtin, and garlic extract) and three synthetic insecticides (imidacloprid, acetamiprid, and spirotetramat) against D. citri in a citrus orchard. The experiment was conducted in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with seven treatments (six insecticides plus untreated control) and three replications. ACP adult and nymph populations were recorded before treatment and at 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after treatment (DAT). Percent reduction over control was calculated using Abbott's formula. Data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Tukey's HSD test at 5% probability. Results showed that all insecticidal treatments significantly reduced ACP populations compared with the control. Imidacloprid gave the highest overall reduction (86.7% at 7 DAT), followed by acetamiprid (83.7%) and spirotetramat (76.3%). Among botanicals, neem oil performed best (69.6% at 7 DAT), followed by azadirachtin (63.0%) and garlic extract (54.1%). The overall order of efficacy was: Imidacloprid > Acetamiprid > Spirotetramat > Neem oil > Azadirachtin > Garlic extract > Control. Botanical insecticides showed slower knockdown but were safer for natural enemies. These findings support the integrated use of botanicals and synthetics for sustainable ACP management.
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Ubaid ur rehman, The University of Agriculture Peshawar
