Psyllids as major vectors of plant pathogens

Abstract

Most psyllid species, also known as jumping plant lice, are well known agricultural pests, in part because many of them are vectors of devastating plant pathogens. This is the case for the best-known psyllid-transmitted disease, Huanglongbing (HLB), which is vectored by two psyllid species: Diaphorina citri and Trioza erytreae. In this review, the morphology and biology, and transmission characteristics of the main psyllid vector species transmitting emerging plant pathogens are described. Additionally, new findings on the transmission ability of CaLsol by Bactericera nigricornis are reported. Finally, the various management practices that can be used for the control of these plant pathogen-carrying vectors , such as optical and physical barriers, trap or border crops, biocontrol agents, and systemic insecticides are illustrated and critically discussed.