The citrus leafminer Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera : Gracillariidae): Review on biological and chemical approaches

Abstract

The citrus leaf miner, Phyllocnistis citrella, is considered a serious pest of nurseries and young citrus plantations, not only in Morocco, but all over the world. According to the literature, different management and control methods; including chemical and biological; control this insect. Chemical control has shown its effectiveness through various active ingredients, such as Imidacloprid and Thiamethoxam (from the Neonicotinoid family), Abamectin (Avermectins) and Fenvalerate (Pyrethrinoids), but it is not sustainable. Biological control in turn knows the use of natural enemies, namely predators and parasitoids as well as other biological control techniques. In this context, ants, lacewings, ladybugs, spiders and bedbugs have been identified as effective predators of the leafminer. Parasitoids also contribute to the control of this pest, and most of them belong to the Eulophidae family. Numerous studies have reported that the species: Ageniaspis citricola, Citrostichus phyllocnistoides, Semiolacher petiolatus, Cirrospilus sp, Chrysocharis sp. and Pnigalio sp are the most effective wasps against the citrus leafminer. Mating disruption has been shown to be effective in reducing leafminer populations. This technique with its various pheromone components has been reviewed in this article. Research is underway to find other tools of control and above all to avoid possible resistance of the insect to commonly used insecticides.

Keywords

• mineuse (phyllocnistis citrella)
• agrumes
• lutte chimique
• lutte biologique
• prédateurs
• parasitoïdes
• confusion sexuelle