Distribution of the Citrus Greening Disease Vector (Diaphorina citri Kuw.) in Nepal and Attempts to Establish Biological Control

Abstract

In Nepal, the Citrus greening disease (CGD) is spread by the Asian vector Diaphorina citri Kuwayama. This vector was found recently in the low plains of Terai, after having been previously described in the high valleys of Pokhara, Kathmandu, and Dang. A parasite of D. citri, Tetrastichus radiatus Waterston, was also observed in the Eastern Terai. This chalcidoid insect, found for the first time in Nepal, was successfully reared under screenhouse conditions in Pokhara without its attendant hyperparasites. A mass rearing program for releasing T. radiatus in the contaminated high valleys has been initiated.

Seasonal Population Dynamics of the Asian Citrus Psyllid, <i>Diaphorina citri</i> Kuwayama in Sarawak

“…However, the level of field parasitism in the present study was variable and at levels < 23% and 36% respectively for both species, relatively lower than some recorded levels elsewhere and possibly not sufficient to reduce spread of HLB. T. radiata was particularly effective with a 80% parasitism being reported in northern India and China (Husain and Nath, 1927;Yuhua et al, 1987) and levels > 90% for T. radiata have been reported from Nepal and Bhutan, Réunion Island, Mauritus and Taiwan (Lama et al, 1988;Regmi and Lama, 1988;Etienne and Aubert, 1980;Shui-Chen-Chiu et al, 1987). Likewise, higher levels of parasitism by D. aligarhensis have been reported from India (Hayat et al, 1975), the Philippines and Réunion Island (Etienne and Aubert, 1980) and Vietnam.…”

A Review on Major Diseases of Citrus in Nepal and their Management

“…It is grown in tropical and subtropical regions and grows well in temperature range of 15-30 ºC with well distributed annual rainfall of 1250 to 1850 mm (FAO & MoAC, 2011). In Nepal, the climatic condition of mid-hill regions having altitude range of 800 m to 2100 m from east to west of the country are considered favourable for all types of citrus fruit cultivation (Lama, 1988). Commercial cultivation of citrus in Nepal started only after 1970 (NCRP, 2010).…”