Seasonal phenology of Nipaecoccus viridis (Newstead) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on citrus in central Florida

Nipaecoccus viridis (Newstead) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is a highly invasive, polyphagous, and important pest of citrus in regions where it establishes. It causes deformation and premature abortion of developing fruit. To date, N. viridis has been reported causing damage in commercial citrus groves in central and southern Florida. As a recent invader, there is no information available regarding the phenology of N. viridis on citrus in Florida. Due to the ideal Florida climate and multivoltine nature of N. viridis, we expect multiple N. viridis generations throughout the year. This research aims to describe the seasonal phenology of N. viridis populations with bi-weekly monitoring using absolute sampling in six commercial citrus groves in central Florida throughout 2021. Preliminary results indicated zero to low N. viridis population densities until March 2021. N. viridis population begin to increase in April and appear to peak between May to June 2021, which coincides with periods of fruit setting and early fruit development in citrus trees in central Florida. Seasonal phenology information obtained from this study will be used to develop effective monitoring and management strategies for N. viridis in Florida citrus.
 
Keywords: Invasive pest, Nipaecoccus viridis (Newstead), Seasonal phenology, Absolute sampling