Estimation of the reproductive and population parameters of Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae)

Abstract

Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae) is a primary citrus pest associated with the transmission of pathogens that cause huanglongbing disease (HLB). Parameter estimation is a crucial step in the process of predicting and modelling biological systems. The reproductive and population parameters of D. citri in Citrus sinensis var. Valencia/Citrumelo, and the growth rate and load capacity of the shoots were determined from experimental data employing a logistic function. The sex ratio of D. citri was estimated at 0.49, with a standard deviation of 0.14. The number of immature and adult individuals per shoot per day was estimated at 24.7 eggs shoot^-1, 19.2 NI shoot^-1 and 13.6 adults shoot^-1, with a standard deviation of 3.6, 2.3 and 2.3, respectively. During the nymphal stages NII, NIII, NIV and NV this value reached 15.1 nymphs shoot^-1, with a standard deviation of 2.85. Longevity for the adult stage was 37.9, with a deviation of 7.2 days. The lifetime and effective oviposition rate per female were estimated at 7.36 and 10.97 eggs day^-1, with a respective standard deviation of 1.99 and 2.5. Egg fertility was estimated at 70.6%, with a standard deviation of 9.4. The growth rate of the shoots was 0.12, with a standard deviation of 0.02. The values of these parameters are fundamental for adapting and correctly applying mathematical models when analysing biological systems and defining strategies of pest control.