Ravindran et al. (2012) have described an LAMP method to detect Las using primers for the 16S rDNA of the pathogen. However, for detection of HLB associated Las, LAMP has not been used widely so far. The availability of the full genome sequence of Las ( Duan et al., 2009) has enabled researchers to evaluate other regions of the bacterium that are more suitable for PCR-based detection technologies ( Morgan et al., 2012). We have developed a rapid, cost-effective, easy to operate, and field deployable technique to detect Las in psyllids. The method is very simple and can be routinely used effectively by citrus growers, extension

workers and home owners. It would be very useful to have quick and simple diagnostic tools to detect the pathogen in psyllid vectors in citrus growing regions of the world where facilities BYL719 order SGI-1776 datasheet are not available for expensive PCR testing. In addition, growers could afford regular monitoring of their groves. Extension workers and inspectors will have information that would enable them to alert a local testing laboratory if positive psyllids are detected. The first report of HLB in Louisiana was triggered by a report from a home owner who spotted a psyllid on

a “symptomatic tree” (Hummel and Ferrin, 2010). Utilizing the methodology and the instrumentation described in this work, we envision potential for implementing a wide surveillance program for detection of the pathogen. Rapid and reliable testing of a large number of psyllids combined with traditional methods of control, including targeted pesticide sprays to eliminate Las-positive psyllid sub-populations, will enable efficient and financially sustainable HLB management strategies. Psyllids maintained on HLB infected

plants in an insectary at the USDA ARS, United States Horticultural Research Laboratory, Fort Pierce were used for development of LAMP technology. Preserved psyllids stored in 95% ethanol were obtained from psyllid-infested regions of Florida, Brazil and Pakistan for testing in California. Las-free D. citri were obtained from a psyllid colony maintained at the quarantine facility located in the Dept. of Entomology, University of California Riverside (UCR), CA. Samples of the tomato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli Clomifene maintained on tomato plants were obtained from Dept. of Entomology, UCR, CA. For the LAMP assay, crude ACP extracts were prepared as follows; 1–20 psyllids were removed from the collection tubes, the ethanol was air-dried on a piece of filter paper for 2–5 min and the psyllids were dropped into individually capped PCR tubes containing 100 μL of extraction buffer (20 mM Tris, pH 8.0 containing 2 mM EDTA and 1% TritonX100®) and heated in the Smart-DART™ unit for 10 min at 85 °C. The samples were centrifuged for 5 s in a micro-centrifuge and the clear supernatant was used for the LAMP assay. The tomato psyllids (B. cockerelli) carrying ‘Candidatus Liberibacter psyllaurous’ (synonym, Ca. L.