08 Ara 2024 Pazar
The citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella, in Tunisia: twenty five years of invasion and pest management
Abstract :Citriculture occupies a strategic place in the economy of Tunisia by exporting significant quantities per year of oranges variety “Maltese”. Unfortunately, it is threatened by a number of insect pests among them the citrus leafminer (CLM), Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) is a major one that had invaded the country by October 1994. Being a pest of young shoots, it causes severe damages on citrus trees particularly in nurseries and young plantations. Biological control has been considered the most economical and environmentally sound long-term solution for managing this phytophagous. Several research studies have been performed in an attempt to find out the most effective bio-control agents against this devastating pest. Herein we explore, comprehensively summarize and discuss the most up-to-date state of scientific knowledge regarding its indigenous and exotic natural enemies adopted so far in Tunisia.
Phyllocnistis citrella, biological control, citrus, natural enemies, Tunisia