光谱和光强度对棕榈蓟马雌成虫行为反应的影响

室内研究了光谱、光强度对棕榈蓟马雌成虫的趋、避光行为的影响。结果显示:在340—605 nm波谱内棕榈蓟马雌成虫对14个单色光刺激的趋光行为反应为多峰型。其中蓝光483 nm处峰最高,趋光反应率达34.96%,其次为绿光498—524 nm、562—582 nm、紫外光340 nm处;其避光行为反应共有3个峰,其中紫外光380 nm处最高,避光率18.08%,另外2个峰分别在橙光605 nm、紫光420 nm处。在趋光率较高的单色光(340、483、524、582 nm)和避光率较高的单色光(380、605 nm)以及白光刺激下,棕榈蓟马雌成虫的趋光率随光强增强的增强而提高,而避光率则随着光强的增强而降低;光强最弱时仍均有一定趋光率,最强时均未出现高端平台。因此:棕榈蓟马雌成虫对不同单色光具有明显的选择性,光谱和光强度对其趋光行为和避光行为有较大影响,光强度的影响作用与波长因素有关。     

甘蔗螟虫趋光性研究

甘蔗螟虫具有趋光性,但不同种及性别之间对特定波长光的趋性差异没有详细研究。本文研究3种甘蔗螟虫的雌雄成虫对不同波长光波的行为反应,为该类害虫的灯诱防控应用提供参考依据。试验结果显示,条螟趋光率最高的3个波长为340 nm、460 nm、498 nm,趋光率分别为23.1%、18.2%、18.1%;二点螟趋光率最高的 4个 波长为498 nm、520 nm、380 nm、420 nm,趋光率分别为21.7%、17.2%、15.3%、13.2%;黄螟对各检测光源表现弱的趋光性,趋光率最高为9.2%（光波长582 nm）。3种螟虫不同日龄趋光性有强弱的差异,以3 d 趋光性最强,其次是1 d ,最后是5 d 。条螟、二点螟雌雄蛾趋光率有差异,雄蛾高于雌蛾;交配行为会降低螟蛾趋光率,条螟雄蛾交配前后降幅高达16.6%,已交配的条螟雌蛾则失去趋光反应;二点螟雄蛾交配前后降幅最高达21.7%,已交配的二点螟雌蛾趋光率也一样有较大幅下降,未交配的雌蛾与已交配的雌蛾同一波长的趋光率差异显著。条螟和二点螟主要趋光波长较接近,波段有较好的交集,诱虫灯的开发可以选择这2种虫趋光率较高的几个光波长研究。     

光谱对东亚小花蝽趋光行为的影响

利用行为学方法研究了340—605nm波谱内14个单色光对东亚小花蝽Orius sauteri(Poppius)成虫的趋、避光行为的影响。结果显示:(1)各单色光均能引起东亚小花蝽成虫趋光行为反应,雌、雄虫的趋光行为反应曲线均为多峰型,峰间主次明显。趋光行为反应率较高的区域有3个,分别是紫外区(340、360 nm和380 nm)、绿光区(524 nm)和橙红光区(582 nm雄虫此处不高、605 nm);(2)各单色光都能引起东亚小花蝽成虫避光行为反应,雌虫避光行为反应曲线为多峰型,避光行为反应率最高的区域为蓝光近紫外区(400 nm),雄虫避光行为曲线为波浪形,避光行为反应率最高的区域为蓝光区(483 nm)。(3)性别对趋光行为反应趋势影响不大,但对趋、避光反应率有较大影响。雌虫趋光反应率最高为47.50%(380 nm),雄虫最高为35.00%(360 nm);雌虫避反应率最高为19.17%(400 nm),雄虫避光反应率最高为11.25%(483 nm)。结果表明:光谱对其趋光行为有一定影响,不同波长之间有较大差异;性别对其光谱行为反应有较大影响。     

光谱对小贯小绿叶蝉趋光行为的影响

为了解小贯小绿叶蝉Empoasca onukii Matsuda对光的行为反应,为茶园害虫综合防治提供新思路,本研究利用光谱行为学,采用18种LED单色光源对小贯小绿叶蝉的趋光行为进行了研究。结果显示,小贯小绿叶蝉成虫对18个光源中的黄光（590~595 nm）趋向性相对较强,其次为紫光（420~425 nm）,对白色光源（对照）的趋向性最低。趋光性由大到小分别为黄光（590~595 nm）,紫光（420~425 nm）,紫外光（390~395 nm）,蓝光（460~465 nm）。忌避性较强的分别为橙光（600~605 nm）,对照,冰蓝青光（490~495 nm）,绿光（520~525 nm）。17种光谱与对照光结合显示,小贯小绿叶蝉对不同光谱的选择发生了变化,更倾向于先择紫外光（370~375 nm、380~385 nm、385~390 nm）,紫光（420~425 nm）,其次为琥珀色光（595~600 nm）,趋光率最低的为蓝光（460~465 nm）和红光（660~665 nm）。双光谱结合时,其选择随不同的结合而发生改变。黑暗、对照和光谱间相结合处理时,白光结合下对光谱的选择趋向性显著高于黑暗条件,两者间呈负相关。小贯小绿叶蝉对黄光（590~595 nm）和紫外光（370~375 nm）的趋向性较强,而对橙光（600~605 nm）、绿光（520~525 nm）和蓝光（460~465 nm）有显著的忌避性。可利用其对光谱的选择性,在室内饲养或茶园防治中采用相应的光谱进行处理,从而达到合理利用的目的。     

梨小食心虫对LED光的趋性及影响因素的研究

为了明确梨小食心虫Grapholita molesta Busck对LED光的趋性及果园利用LED光诱捕梨小食心虫的效果,为开发基于梨小食心虫趋光行为的新防治手段提供依据。本研究通过室内观察梨小食心虫成虫对不同波长的4种LED光及白光的趋性及暗适应时间、性别、日龄和光照强度对趋光性的影响,进一步调查了LED光对田间梨小食心虫成虫的诱捕效果。结果表明:在室内条件下,梨小食心虫成虫对520 nm的绿光趋性最强。1⁵日龄成虫中,以3日龄成虫趋光性最强,且雌虫趋光性显著高于雄虫。在暗适应0.55日龄成虫中,以3日龄成虫趋光性最强,且雌虫趋光性显著高于雄虫。在暗适应0.5³.0 h范围内,梨小食心虫成虫的趋光性表现为"抛物线形",以暗适应2.0 h时趋光性最强,并显著高于其它暗适应处理时间。在550、650、750、850 lx光照强度下,以650 lx光强时的趋光性最强。田间诱捕结果表明,不同颜色的LED灯对梨小食心虫的诱捕效果均不理想,不适于梨小食心虫的防治。     

白背飞虱及其天敌黑肩绿盲蝽的趋光性研究

测定了白背飞虱Sogatella furcifera Horváth及其天敌黑肩绿盲蝽Cyrtorhinus lividipennis Reuter对紫光(410⁴15 nm)、蓝光(455415 nm)、蓝光(455⁴58 nm)、绿光(515458 nm)、绿光(515⁵18 nm)、黄光(587518 nm)、黄光(587⁵90 nm)、红光(615590 nm)、红光(615⁶18 nm)、白光(6 000618 nm)、白光(6 000⁶ 500 K)6种LED的趋光率。白背飞虱对蓝光和绿光较为敏感,且光波对白背飞虱趋光率的影响效应与暗适应时间有明显的互作;光照强度、羽化日龄及暗适应时间对白背飞虱的趋光率无显著影响。在不同光照强度下,黑肩绿盲蝽对蓝光的趋光率达19.25%±1.12%,显著地高于其它5种光波。     

番石榴精油对柑橘木虱刺吸取食行为的影响

利用刺探电位技术(electrical penetration graph,EPG).比较测定了柑橘木虱Diaphorina citri Kuwayama成虫在经番石榴精油处理和对照柑橘叶片上的刺吸取食行为.结果表明,在正常(对照)叶片上,柑橘木虱成虫的刺吸取食有8种不同波形,表现为迅速进入取食过程,非刺探活动时间和唾液分泌较少,为韧皮部取食,没有木质部取食.而柑橘叶片经1μw/mL番石榴精油处理后,柑橘木虱成虫刺吸取食行为显著改变,表现为非刺探活动和唾液分泌增加,韧皮部取食时间极显著下降,下降率为62.12%,并出现木质部取食.不同时段柑橘木虱的有效取食时间动态结果显示,番石榴精油在第1 h使柑橘木虱完全进入木质部取食,但随后逐步恢复韧皮部取食.     

光谱和光强度对龟纹瓢虫成虫趋光行为的影响

利用行为学方法研究了光谱、光强对龟纹瓢虫Propylea japonica(Thunberg)成虫的趋、避光行为的影响.结果显示:(1)在340～605nm波谱内其光谱趋光行为反应为多峰型,峰间主次不明显,紫外340nm处峰最高,趋光反应率达21%,其它各峰依大小次序分别位于绿光524nm、蓝光400～440nm和483nm处;(2)随光强增强其趋光反应率增大,白光和483nm刺激时其光强趋光行为反应呈一倒"L"型式样,524nm时呈一阶梯型,340nm时为一较平直的线型;光强最弱时仍均有一定趋光率,最强时均未出现高端平台;(3)性别对其光谱和光强度行为反应均有一定影响,但影响不大;(4)龟纹瓢虫无明显的避光反应,其避光行为可能是趋光行为衍生或其随机活动造成.结果表明:光谱对其趋光行为有一定影响,光强度的影响较大且其影响大小与波长因素有关;其复眼可感受的光强范围更宽.     

螺旋粉虱对10种寄主植物的趋性研究

本文通过随机摆放寄主植物（呈圆形）和采用Y形嗅觉仪实验的方法,研究了螺旋粉虱成虫对多种不同寄主植物的趋性差异,寻找诱集植物,为螺旋粉虱的监测和防治提供理论依据。实验结果表明：10种寄主植物同时存在时,螺旋粉虱成虫趋向于在番木瓜和番石榴上停落、取食和产卵;在不同寄主植物叶片挥发物的Y形嗅觉仪实验中,螺旋粉虱雌成虫对番木瓜、番石榴的趋向性最强。     

螺旋粉虱对10种寄主植物的趋性研究

本文通过随机摆放寄主植物(呈圆形)和采用Y形嗅觉仪实验的方法,研究了螺旋粉虱成虫对多种不同寄主植物的趋性差异,寻找诱集植物,为螺旋粉虱的监测和防治提供理论依据.实验结果表明:10种寄主植物同时存在时,螺旋粉虱成虫趋向于在番木瓜和番石榴上停落、取食和产卵;在不同寄主植物叶片挥发物的Y形嗅觉仪实验中,螺旋粉虱雌成虫对番木瓜、番石榴的趋向性最强.     

Temporal response and attraction of Diaphorina citri to visual stimuli

As the vector of the global disease of citrus greening or huanglongbing, Asian citrus pysllids, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), are the greatest threat to the worldwide citrus industry. Critical to management of D. citri and huanglongbing is optimization of surveillance methodologies. Although phytophagous insects may find host plants by multimodal cues, some appear to primarily use visual cues. In this study, we examined the behavior of Asian citrus psyllids toward light from light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) in the insect visible spectrum. The periodicity of attraction of psyllids to visual cues was evaluated in the field (yellow sticky traps) and laboratory (multi‐colored LEDs) with a strong peak of activity during the afternoon in both the field and the laboratory (both 14:00 to 18:00 hours). In laboratory evaluations of psyllids to differently colored LEDs, strongest attraction was to LEDs emitting ultraviolet (390 nm), green (525 nm), and yellow (590 nm) light. Male and female psyllids did not differ significantly in their responses to visual cues. These findings provide the basis for formulating better traps that reflect UV and yellow light and potentially incorporate UV LEDs for monitoring psyllids and a better understanding of Asian citrus psyllid visual behavior.     

荔枝蒂蛀虫成虫对LED光的趋性及其繁殖响应特征

为明确荔枝蒂蛀虫Conopomorpha sinensis成虫对不同LED光的趋性行为反应,初步筛选出该虫趋光性不同的光色并进一步研究其对成虫繁殖生物学特性的影响,以期为今后研发特异性强且绿色高效的荔枝蒂蛀虫灯光防控技术提供理论依据.本文采用对比实验法,测试了荔枝蒂蛀虫雌蛾对9种供试光源的趋性行为反应,并进一步研究夜间LED光照射对荔枝蒂蛀虫成虫交配率、繁殖力及寿命的影响.结果显示,荔枝蒂蛀虫雌成虫对不同LED光的趋光反应率由高到低为:蓝(445～450 nm)>紫(400～405 nm)>红(655～665 nm)>蓝绿(475～480 nm)>橙(600～605 nm)>绿(515～520 nm)>黄(570～575 nm)>白(400～700 nm)>黑暗>紫外(365 nm),试虫对紫外光表现出明显的避光性,对7种单色光表现为不同程度的趋光性,其中对黄光和白光的趋光率在50％以下.在繁殖生物学方面,夜间50 lx的LED黄光和白光持续照射能使荔枝蒂蛀虫成虫的交配率由93.75％降低至50％以下,且产卵前期延长,雌蛾产卵量显著降低.此外,夜间不同LED光源照射能抑制已交配荔枝蒂蛀虫雌蛾产卵活动,白光照射组的单雌日均产卵量降低程度最大,为50.71％,黄光次之(48.96％),蓝光最小,为38.06％.综上所述,荔枝蒂蛀虫雌蛾对LED白光和黄光的趋光性较弱,夜间适当的LED白光(400～700 nm)和黄光(570～575 nm)持续照射可有效降低成虫交配率和繁殖力,该结果对促进LED白光干扰防控荔枝蒂蛀虫技术的优化升级具有一定指导意义.     

Transmission parameters for Candidatus liberibacter asiaticus by Asian citrus psyllid (Hemiptera: Psyllidae)

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate acquisition and inoculation (together, transmission) efficiency of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Las), the pathogen associated with citrus huanglongbing (HLB) by the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Kuwayama) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae). In laboratory studies, nymphs reared on Las infected plants were more likely to acquire the bacterium than adults. Acquisition by nymphs ranged from 60 to 100%, whereas acquisition by adults only reached 40% after 5 wk of feeding on Las-infected plants. Similar rates of pathogen acquisition by psyllids after nymphal and adult feeding were observed in the field. Transmission of Las from parent to offspring (transovarial) occurred at a rate of 2-6%. One year after psyllid inoculations, successful transmission by individual D. citri ranged from 4 to 10%, whereas groups of 100 or more D. citri transmitted the pathogen at a rate of approximately 88%. In addition, the proportion of Las-positive adult psyllids, determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, decreased over time when held on healthy plants. Due to the low rate of pathogen acquisition and long time period required for successful inoculation by adult D. citri, experiments designed to determine the latent period required for replication and successful inoculation of Las by D. citri did not result in Las-infected plants after >1 yr of incubation after inoculation. Collectively, these results indicate that adult D. citri which acquire the HLB pathogen as adults are poor vectors of the pathogen compared with adults that acquired the pathogen as nymphs.     

Diurnal Patterns of Flight Activity and Effects of Light on Host Finding Behavior of the Asian Citrus Psyllid

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), is an invasive pest of citrus in the United States. The psyllid feeds and reproduces primarily on new flush growth of citrus and other rutaceous plants. Because it vectors the bacterial causal agents of the deadly citrus greening disease, D. citri is potentially a pest of economic importance in all citrus growing areas where it occurs together with the disease. We investigated the diurnal patterns of its flight activity in the field and the effects of light on its host selection and egg laying behaviors. The numbers of adult psyllids caught on yellow sticky traps were 3 to 4-fold higher during daytime than nighttime. Daytime flight activity of D. citri adults also varied with time of the day with peak catches occurring at midday from 1200 to 1500 h. Illumination of the traps at night increased their attractiveness to adult psyllids by 5-fold. Similarly, light significantly increased plant colonization by adults and female egg deposition on potted plants in the laboratory. These results showed that the flight activity and host selection behavior of adult psyllids are regulated by light and circadian rhythms. Thus, adult psyllids utilize light as visual cues in their host-plant selection process.     

Repellent effect of guava leaf volatiles on settlement of adults of citrus psylla, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, on citrus

Abstract  The Asiatic citrus psyllid ( Diaphorina citri Kuwayama [Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Psyllidae]) is a vector of huanglongbing (citrus greening), a devastating disease of citrus caused by phloem-limited bacteria. Growing guava ( Psidium guajava ) as an intercrop appears to be a successful means of reducing psyllid numbers within citrus orchards; however, the mechanism by which such a reduction is achieved is unknown. To determine the repellent effect of guava leaf and factors attributed to this activity, responses of adult psyllids to guava leaf and its odor were evaluated in cage tests and Y-tube olfactometer test. The results showed that guava leaf possessed a repellent effect against the adult citrus psyllids. Fewer psyllids were found on citrus leaves in the presence of guava foliage than in its absence. Young and old guava leaf showed equal repellent activity. By covering the guava shoots with net cloth, it was revealed that the repellent effect of guava leaf against adult psyllids on citrus was attributed to the volatile compounds, rather than physical factors. The olfactometer response of adult psyllids to guava leaf odor was dosage-dependent. Between guava odor and control, only 35.00%, 25.00% and 16.25% of the psyllids moved toward guava odor when presented with 5.0, 10.0 and 15.0 g of guava shoots, respectively. The olfactometer experiments also showed that both male and female psyllids responded similarly to the guava leaf odor.     

铜绿丽金龟对不同光谱的行为反应

【目的】旨在获得铜绿丽金龟 Anomala corpulenta Motschulsky敏感的波谱范围及性别差异。【方法】本研究利用室内行为学的方法,测试了在波长为340~610 nm的14个单色光刺激下铜绿丽金龟的趋、避光行为反应,并计算趋、避光反应率曲线。【结果】观测显示,各单色光均能引起铜绿丽金龟产生一定的趋、避光反应,其雌雄虫的趋光敏感光区位于紫外光（405 nm）、蓝光（460 nm）和绿光区（505和570 nm）,性别对趋光行为有一定的影响,但是仅存在于趋光反应率曲线波峰的大小,而对波峰的位置没有影响。铜绿丽金龟的避光行为反应,在雌雄之间无明显的性别分化,其避光敏感光谱为紫外光（380 nm）、蓝光（440 nm）和绿光区（492和505 nm）。【结论】铜绿丽金龟成虫对不同波长光的趋性存在差异,性别对其光谱行为反应有一定的影响。该研究结果为铜绿丽金龟光视觉的深入研究奠定必要的理论基础,也为利用其趋光性对该金龟甲进行综合治理提供科学依据。     

The photokinesis of oriental fruit flies,Bactrocera dorsalis,to LED lights of various wavelengths

The oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel (Diptera: Tephritidae), is an invasive pest of orchards around the world, particularly in Asian countries such as China. Light traps offer a potential means for pest monitoring and management. This study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity of the fly to light and investigate the impact of monochromatic light in the sensitivity spectrum on B. dorsalis. Six light wavelengths in LEDs – green (522 nm), yellow (596 nm), blue (450 nm), red (633 nm), purple (440 nm), and white (compound light) – were adapted to test responses of 5‐, 10‐, and 20‐day‐old B. dorsalis adults kept in laboratory conditions. We also tested the effects of green and red lights on pupal development and adults’ life activities. The results indicated a phototaxis preference rank in B. dorsalis adults to monochromatic LEDs with, in decreasing order, green, yellow, purple, blue, and red. Moreover, positive phototaxis significantly increased with age. Male adults are more sensitive than female adults to test lights, mainly at the age of 10 and 20 days. Emergence rates of pupae exposed to 12 and 24 h green light daily were 42 and 67%, respectively, whereas controls held in red light emerged at 33 and 37%, respectively. Furthermore, body weight, female fecundity, and mortality of B. dorsalis in night‐time exposure of green light (from 21:00 to 09:00 hours; during daytime flies were illuminated by white LED light) were significantly higher than in red‐light test groups and dark controls. In conclusion, B. dorsalis displayed preference toward green light, and fly age and gender seemed to significantly impact the phototactic behavior. Green LED light exposure during nighttime remarkably improved the emergence rates of B. dorsalis, and it enhanced growth, development, and ovipositing peak period, but decreased adult lifespan. This research lays a foundation for the development of new trap models, e.g., with green sticky cards or green light, for monitoring and control of B. dorsalis in the field.     

Sex‐specific responses of Asian citrus psyllid to volatiles of conspecific and host‐plant origin

Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) is the primary vector of Candidatus Liberibacter spp. bacteria that cause citrus greening, a disease of worldwide importance. Olfactometry was employed to test responses of D. citri to odours from intact citrus plants (Mexican lime, Citrus aurantifolia, sour orange, Citrus aurantium, Marsh grapefruit, Citrus paradisi and Valencia orange, Citrus sinensis), citrus plants previously infested with D. citri, and odours of conspecifics including nymphs, adult insects of same and opposite sex, and their products (honeydew), both alone and in combination. In contrast to other studies, psyllids of both sexes were attracted to volatiles of undamaged Mexican lime leaves, whereas undamaged grapefruit attracted only females, and leaves of Valencia and sour orange did not attract either sex. All four plant species attracted female psyllids when previously infested, but only Mexican lime and sour orange‐attracted males. Thus, Citrus species appear to vary in the production of both constituitive and induced volatiles that attract adult psyllids. Volatiles emitted by nymphs did not attract either sex, but psyllid honeydew was attractive to males, likely due to female pheromone residues. Males oriented to the odour of females, whereas the reverse was not true, and neither males nor females oriented to same‐sex volatiles. The addition of conspecific cues (adults, nymphs or honeydew) did not increase female attraction to previously infested leaves, but male response was increased by the presence of adults and honeydew, regardless of plant species. Thus, female psyllids appear to orient more strongly to volatiles of plant origin, whereas males respond more strongly to cues emanating from females and conspecific excretions. These results suggest that female psyllids drive the initial colonization of host plants, whereas males orient to females and infested plants. Identification of the specific volatiles involved may permit their use in monitoring and management of this pest.     

柑橘木虱两地理种群的内共生菌群落组成及传菌能力

柑橘黄龙病（Huanglongbing, HLB）是经柑橘木虱Diaphorina citri传播的最主要柑橘病害之一, 危害严重时能对柑橘产业造成毁灭性的破坏。为了鉴定福建和海南2个地理种群柑橘木虱的内共生菌群落组成, 本研究对16S rRNA部分保守序列进行PCR扩增, 并利用特异性引物对不同内共生菌进行了感染率检测; 另外, 还通过人工接虫的方法, 探索柑橘木虱成虫在带黄龙病菌蕉柑Citrus reticulata cv. Tankan上的获菌能力, 以及带菌柑橘木虱成虫对黄岩蜜橘C. reticulata cv. Subcompressa的传菌能力。研究发现, 这2个地理种群的柑橘木虱含有相同的内共生菌组成, 包括α-Proteobacteria, Wolbachia spp., γ-Proteobacteria, mycetocyte symbionts, β-Proteobacteria, Oxalobacter和β-Proteobacteria, Herbaspirillum, 而且这2个地理种群柑橘木虱的4种内共生菌的携带率均在95%以上。柑橘木虱成虫在带菌蕉柑上饲菌28 d后, 带菌率可达到82%, 而带菌柑橘木虱成虫在黄岩蜜橘上传菌75 d后, 可导致橘树整体带菌。本研究为柑橘木虱的进一步研究和防虫治病途径提供了一些理论依据。     

Oral delivery of double-stranded RNAs and siRNAs induces RNAi effects in the potato/tomato psyllid, Bactericerca cockerelli

The potato/tomato psyllid, Bactericerca cockerelli (B. cockerelli), and the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri (D. citri), are very important plant pests, but they are also vectors of phloem-limited bacteria that are associated with two devastating plant diseases. B. cockerelli is the vector of Candidatus Liberibacter psyllaurous (solanacearum), which is associated with zebra chip disease of potatoes, and D. citri is the vector of Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus, which is associated with the Huanglongbing (citrus greening) disease that currently threatens the entire Florida citrus industry. Here we used EST sequence information from D. citri to identify potential targets for RNA interference in B. cockerelli. We targeted ubiquitously expressed and gut-abundant mRNAs via injection and oral acquisition of double-stranded RNAs and siRNAs and were able to induce mortality in recipient psyllids. We also showed knockdown of target mRNAs, and that oral acquisition resulted primarily in mRNA knockdown in the psyllid gut. Concurrent with gene knockdown was the accumulation of target specific ～ 21 nucleotide siRNAs for an abundant mRNA for BC-Actin. These results showed that RNAi can be a powerful tool for gene function studies in psyllids, and give support for continued efforts for investigating RNAi approaches as possible tools for psyllid and plant disease control.