Induced Preference Improves Offspring Fitness in a Phytopathogen Vector

Area of Science:

• Entomology
• Behavioral Ecology
• Plant-Insect Interactions

Background:

• Learning influences host recognition and mate preference in Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri).
• The occurrence of induced female oviposition preference in D. citri remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the influence of natal host experience on adult oviposition preference in D. citri.
• Determine if maternal host experience affects D. citri oviposition choices and offspring performance.

Main Methods:

• Rearing D. citri nymphs on 'Valencia' orange (Citrus x sinesis) or orange jasmine (Murraya paniculata).
• Assessing adult oviposition preference between the two host plants.
• Evaluating nymphal development time, adult size, and mortality rates after host transfer.

Main Results:

• Psyllids reared on 'Valencia' orange preferred it for oviposition over orange jasmine.
• Natal host experience significantly impacted D. citri nymphal development and adult size.
• Transferring nymphs to a non-natal host increased mortality, indicating reduced fitness.

Conclusions:

• Natal host experience induces oviposition preference in D. citri females.
• Maternal host fidelity is advantageous, especially when orange jasmine negatively affects juvenile psyllid performance.
• Induced oviposition preference is a key adaptive plasticity mechanism for D. citri reproductive strategies.