Seasonal shifts in Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus prevalence in the vector Diaphorina citri in Florida

Psyllid populations at six locations in central Florida and one location in southern Florida were sampled monthly and the proportion of adult psyllids carrying Liberibacter asiaticus was measured using QPCR of pooled samples. The Florida Automated Weather Network was used to estimate environmental conditions at these locations. Prevalence was highest during the last three months of the year, but psyllids with Liberibacter asiaticus could be found at all times. Fluctuations in prevalence associated with gender and abdominal color are also examined.