Consequences of leaf biochemical characters for Citrus Leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) along the microclimatic gradient of Citrus plants
The leaf traits and microclimate in different positions of a host plant often influence the host choice and performance of herbivore insects. In the present study, we determined the relation of leaf biochemical characters with the infestation of citrus leafminer (CLM), Phyllocnistis citrella Stainto...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2020-10-01
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| Series: | Kuwait Journal of Science |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://journalskuwait.org/kjs/index.php/KJS/article/view/8681 |
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| Summary: | The leaf traits and microclimate in different positions of a host plant often influence the host choice and performance of herbivore insects. In the present study, we determined the relation of leaf biochemical characters with the infestation of citrus leafminer (CLM), Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) on six citrus cultivars; Meyer Lime (lemon × mandarin hybrid), Kinnow, and Feutrell’s early (Citrus mandarins), Fairchild (C. tangerines), Succari and Musambi (C. sinensis). We also hypothesized that the CLM damage increase from lower to upper canopy of the plant. Highest level of infestation was observed on the upper canopy of citrus plants followed by a middle and lower canopy in case of all citrus cultivars. The CLM damage also varied between six citrus cultivars with the highest level of 24.24% for Meyer Lime and 21.42% for Kinnow cultivars and the least affected cultivar by CLM feeding was Musambi with 09.31% infestation. Among the leaf traits, nitrogen and moisture content showed significant and positive relation with CLM infestation in all citrus cultivars. Total mineral in leaves did not show the significant (P > 0.05) relation with CLM damage in all citrus cultivars. Crude protein showed the significant relation with CLM only in case of Meyer Lime cultivar. Our finding suggests that moisture level and nitrogen content in the leaves are important factors to enhance the activity of CLM and this interaction can impact the growth and productivity of citrus plants |
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| ISSN: | 2307-4108 2307-4116 |