Investigation of the life history and infestation of Phyllocnistis citrella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) on four different hosts

Abstract

Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), also known as the citrus leafminer, is a serious pest in Citrus Linnaeus (Rutaceae) nurseries in Iran. Few studies have been performed on the life history of this pest on different citrus hosts. In this work, the infestation rate and biological aspects of P. citrella were investigated using four citrus hosts: Valencia orange (Citrus sinensis (Linnaeus) Osbeck), trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata (Linnaeus) Rafinesque), grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macfadyen), and sweet lemon (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle). Moths preferred laying eggs on leaves with a width ranging from 1–2 cm, and the highest oviposition was observed on the Valencia orange (51.2 eggs/female). The numbers of pupae and infested leaves were significantly higher on C. sinensis and C. aurantifolia. The entire developmental period of the immature stages was 13.8 and 15.4 days in C. aurantifolia and C. sinensis, respectively, while it increased to 21.8 and 24.7 days in C. paradisi and P. trifoliata. The rate of mortality of the immature stage was the highest in these two latter hosts as well (29–31%). Moths showed the highest emergence and longevity on C. sinensis and C. aurantifolia. The results indicate that C. sinensis and C. aurantifolia are susceptible hosts that can be recommended for the mass-rearing of this species in non-chemical pest control programmes.