Aspectos ecológicos de Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, 1908, en el cultivo de cítricos en Villa Altagracia y El Seibo, República Dominicana

Abstract

In this study the spatial distribution and dynamics of the pest Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, 1908 (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) in citrus groves in Villa Altagracia and La Candelaria, Los Corazones, El Seibo was determinated. According to our results, the immature stages of D. citri were found to be aggregated in a spatial pattern while the adults were found in a uniform pattern. In El Seibo, the distribution of eggs and nymphs of D. citri showed uniformity and in adults the distribution was aggregated. In Villa Altagracia, the highest population peaks occurred in February, March, May and August, while in El Seibo, in April and June. The highest population density was always found in Villa Altagracia during the time of the experiments more than it was in El Seibo. Phenological phases such as fruiting and budding were the most densely populated. In both places, the spatial fluctuations and population densities were always related to the density and availability of young shoots in each culture. Temperature and rains registered in the study areas had a low correlation with the plague, however, population peaks were observed in periods of favorable weather conditions for this insect.