Associate Professor University of Florida Immokalee, Florida
Sympherobius barberi Banks (Neuroptera: Hemerobiidae) is a generalist predator that is commercially available and used to counteract mainly aphids and mealybugs. This study aimed to determine its potential to control Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), commonly known as Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), one of the most economically important pests in citrus worldwide. We evaluated adult S. barberi against eggs and nymphs of ACP and estimated its functional response. We assessed three densities of S. barberi for ACP suppression in the field conditions and its releases in five ACP management programs. Sympherobius barberi demonstrated significant potential as a biological control agent of ACP. Adults were capable of feeding both on eggs and nymphs of ACP, displaying type II functional response with a handling time of 0.52 and an attack rate of 1.32 when fed on nymphs. Three and five adults of S. barberi confined for 120 hours per citrus shoot with 40 ACP nymphs were more efficient than one adult per shoot. Using yellow sticky traps, suction sampling, and tap sampling, S. barberi was detected at similar levels in all ACP management programs treated with organic and conventional insecticides. In conclusion, this hemerobiid might prove beneficial in an integrated pest management program for ACP.
