A.A. Al-Rustom1*, E.H. Akel2 and N.H. Abokaf1
(1) Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, University of Latakia, Syria; (2) Latakia Research Center, General Authority for Scientific Agricultural Research, Syria.
*Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
The effect of parasitism by the parasitoid Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Cresson) on the efficiency of the black citrus aphid, Toxoptera aurantii in transmitting Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) was investigated. The research was carried out at the Agricultural Scientific Research Center in Lattakia in a greenhouse covered with insect-proof netting during the 2023-2024 season. Two-year-old Citrus aurantium seedlings were used in the experiments, at a temperature of 20-25°C, relative humidity of 65±5%, and a photoperiod of 8 h dark:16 h light. The relative virus content in the tested seedlings was estimated using the double antibody sandwich-ELISA (DAS-ELISA) assay according to the protocol described by the Swiss company Bioreba, and readings were taken using an ELISA reader at a wavelength of 405 nm. The results obtained showed a positive significant effect of the presence of the parasitoid inside the first and second larval stages of the black citrus aphids in reducing the amount of virus in the infected seedlings compared to the control treatment.
Toxoptera aurantii, citrus black aphid, Citrus tristeza virus (CTV), citrus decline virus, Lysiphlebus testaceipes.
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001495