Global strategies to manage huanglongbing (HLB) and its vectors: insights and implications for the Mediterranean region

Publication Type

Journal Article

Journal Name

Entomologia Generalis

Name of Author

Meritxell Pérez-Hedo, CSIC-UPV - Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas Primo Yúfera (IBMCP)
Mark S. Hoddle, University of California, Riverside
Fernando Alferez, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
Lochy Batista, Instituto de Investigaciones en Fruticultura Tropical
George A.C. Beattie, Western Sydney University
Shourish Chakravarty, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
Paul Holford, Western Sydney University
Fathiya Mbarak Khamis, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Nairobi
Inusa Jacob Ajene, Citrus Research International (Pty) Ltd, South Africa
Aruna Manrakhan, Citrus Research International (Pty) Ltd, South Africa
Paul H. Fourie, Citrus Research International (Pty) Ltd, South Africa
Maritza Luis, Instituto de Investigaciones en Fruticultura Tropical
Eduardo Osorio-Hernández, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas
Mamoudou Sétamou, Texas A&M University-Kingsville
Alejandro Tena, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias
Pedro Takao Yamamoto, Universidade de São Paulo
Tara Wade, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
Changyong Zhou, Southwest University
Nian Wang, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
Lukasz L. Stelinski, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
Alberto Urbaneja, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias

Publication Date

1-1-2025

Abstract

Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening disease, poses a severe threat to the global citrus industry. This disease is caused by three species of bacteria, ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’, ‘C. L. africanus’, and ‘C. L. ameri-canus’. The primary pathogen vectors are the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, Hemiptera: Psyllidae) and the African citrus psyllid (Trioza erytreae Del Guercio, Hemiptera: Triozidae). The disease is incurable, and its management relies on reducing vector densities and the adverse effects of bacterial infections on host trees. Managing psyllid vec-tors, especially D. citri, has proven exceptionally challenging due to its rapid spread and subsequent difficulty in containing and suppressing newly detected populations. This article reviews strategies developed to manage HLB and its vectors in different regions of the world with a focus on the challenges likely to be faced by the Mediterranean region. Diaphorina citri has recently invaded the Mediterranean region and T. erytreae has been encroaching via the northern Iberian Peninsula for several years. Currently, HLB has not been detected in this important citrus production area. Therefore, this area must implement preventive measures and proactively prepare for potential invasions by D. citri, T. erytreae, and HLB-causing pathogens by developing and adopting comprehensive management strategies in advance of anticipated invasion events. Moreover, this review highlights the need for coordinated research and policy frameworks to combat HLB and its psyllid vectors at regional, national and international levels within the Mediterranean region.

Keywords

citrus disease management, Diaphorina citri, huanglongbing, integrated pest management, Tamarixia, Trioza erytreae

Recommended Citation

Pérez-Hedo, M., Hoddle, M., Alferez, F., Batista, L., Beattie, G., Chakravarty, S., Holford, P., Khamis, F., Ajene, I., Manrakhan, A., Fourie, P., Luis, M., Osorio-Hernández, E., Sétamou, M., Tena, A., Yamamoto, P., Wade, T., Zhou, C., Wang, N., Stelinski, L., & Urbaneja, A. (2025). Global strategies to manage huanglongbing (HLB) and its vectors: insights and implications for the Mediterranean region. Entomologia Generalis, 45 (1), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1127/entomologia/2024/2877