The Buzz On Citrus Greening's Natural Enemy

California's $1.8 billion citrus industry has found possible natural solutions against the Asian citrus psyllid in the form of predatorial insects, including the parasitic wasp, Tamarixia radiata.

According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, scientists have released an estimated 2.4 million Tamarixia since 2011, including another parasitic wasp, Diaphorencyrtus aligarhensis. 

Both species of wasps release a toxic enzyme that digests the Asian citrus psyllid.

Other insects include the predatory beetle, Olla v-nigrum and Harmonia axyridis Pallas in Florida.

The other alternative to citrus greening prevention, citrus GMO production, also indicates positive results in citrus greening reduction.

 

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