Morphometric characterization of invasive Diaphorina citri infesting citrus and orange jasmine in Ghana

Abstract

Morphometric analysis plays a crucial role in the accurate identification and classification of insect pests, which is essential for implementing effective management strategies. The Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama; Hemiptera: Liviidae), an invasive species and a known vector of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ and ‘Ca. Liberibacter americanus,’ the bacterial pathogens associated with Huanglongbing (HLB), has recently emerged as a pest of concern in Ghana. Despite its significance, little is known about the biological traits of field populations in the region. In this study, we examined morphometric variation in D. citri populations infesting citrus and orange jasmine (Murraya paniculata) across different regions, agroecological zones, and host plants in Ghana. Our results show that several morphometric traits varied significantly by region, agroecological zone, and host plant. These findings suggest that host plant species and environmental conditions may influence the morphological traits of ACP, potentially affecting its dispersal and adaptability. Importantly, this study also documents the infestation of citrus orchards in Ghana by D. citri, following its initial detection on ornamental plants. This highlights a critical and urgent threat to Ghana’s citrus industry and the need for coordinated surveillance and management efforts to prevent the establishment and spread of HLB in the region.