Modeling pheromone control and trapping of the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri
Résumé
Diaphorina citri or Asian citrus psyllids (ACP) are small insects that live on citrus trees and feed on
young stems, sprouts, and leaves during all stages of development. This insect is also the major vector
of the most serious citrus plant disease known as Huanglongbing (HLB or Citrus Greening) that affects
citrus production in various parts of the world [1]. At the moment, there is no cure for this infectious
plant disease, and the major control efforts are centered on controlling the local ACP populations.
In this presentation, we propose a sex-structured mathematical model that encompasses only the adult
population of D. citri, even though the ACP life cycle also includes the immature phase (consisting of
eggs and five nymphal instars). Following [2], the model is based on the behavioral and biological features
of this particular insect species, and special attention is paid to the ACP mating behavior.
When seeking to mate, the female psyllids emit sex pheromones that attract the male insects. Pheromone
traps are considered as an eco-friendly component of integrated pest control, and our model readily
accommodates this type of external intervention. Sticky pheromone traps are usually set up for pursuing
two simultaneous goals of pest control: (1) mating disruption leading to the offspring reduction, and (2)
mass trapping of male insects followed by their direct removal.
We also outline the theoretical analysis of the model and revise several scenarios that accentuate its
practical value for controlling the ACP adult population by pheromone traps