The risk posed by the potato psyllid Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae) an important invasive pest of solanaceous crops

Abstract

The potato psyllid Bactericera cockerelli is native to the Rocky Mountains in the United States and northern Mexico and is a had a major impact on solanaceous crops production. Severe outbreaks can reduce potato and tomato production by more than 85%. In addition to damaging plants by its feeding activity, the potato psyllid also transmits the important plant pathogen Candidatus Liberibacter solanaceaerum, which further increases the economic loss to growers. The potato psyllid has not yet been found in China but this international quarantine pest poses a major threat to China’s Solanaceous crop industry. To promote the prevention and control of this important pest, this article introduces the species’ biological characteristics, geographic distribution, host plant types, current distribution, crop damage symptoms, quarantine and current control strategies.