Glycaspis brimblecombei (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) attack patterns on different Eucalyptus genotypes

Area of Science:

• Entomology
• Forestry
• Plant Pathology

Background:

• The red gum lerp psyllid (Glycaspis brimblecombei) is an invasive eucalypt pest first reported in Brazil in 2003.
• This study focuses on damage patterns of G. brimblecombei on Eucalyptus camaldulensis and its hybrids.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate damage patterns of Glycaspis brimblecombei on different eucalypt genotypes.
• To assess the parasitism rates of Psyllaephagus bliteus on G. brimblecombei across various eucalypt genotypes.

Main Methods:

• Field plots of three eucalypt genotypes were monitored over one year.
• Eucalypt leaves were collected to assess G. brimblecombei infestation levels.
• Nymph parasitism rates by P. bliteus were recorded.

Main Results:

• Damage by G. brimblecombei was significantly lower on hybrid eucalypt genotypes (urocam and urograndis).
• Higher monthly rainfall correlated with lower egg and nymph densities of G. brimblecombei.
• Nymph parasitism by P. bliteus was low (2.9%) and did not vary significantly with eucalypt genotype or season.

Conclusions:

• Utilizing less susceptible eucalypt genotypes, such as hybrids, is a viable management strategy for G. brimblecombei.
• Biological control using Psyllaephagus bliteus is not recommended due to its current low efficacy in controlling G. brimblecombei populations.