Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) Diaphorina citri is the primary vector of the huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus greening disease. Young trees are more susceptible to ACP and HLB. The key to protecting young trees from HLB is effective and consistent psyllid control. Widespread resistance to the neonicotionoid insecticides, formally used to control ACP in young trees, is affecting its control. Therefore, new methods of young tree protection such as Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS) and UV reflective mulch as ground cover are being investigated to reduce colonization by ACP. Reflective mulches are expected to reduce ACP colonization by disrupting horizontal orientation by reflecting sunlight to the bottom of the psyllid eye. In a previous and present study, less ACP adults were observed on the trees planted on UV reflective mulch than bare ground. We also looked at the ACP survival in the trees on mulch and bare ground by confining them in sleeve cages in summer. After a two week period, 60% of males and 10% of females were found alive on the trees planted on mulch, while 30% of males and 0% females on trees in bare ground. Males and females lived for an average of 14 days and 4 days on trees planted on mulch, while males and females on the trees in bare ground lived for 11 days and 8 days. Experiments evaluating ACP immature survival on mulch and bare ground are in progress.
