Abstract
The leaf traits and microclimate in different positions of a host plant often influence the host choice and performance of herbivore insects. In the present study, the relation of leaf biochemical characters with the infestation of citrus leafminer (CLM), Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) on six citrus cultivars; Meyer Lime (lemon x mandarin hybrid), Kinnow, and Feutrell's Early (Citrus mandarins), Fairchild (C. tangerines), Succari and Musambi (C. sinensis) was determined. It was also hypothesized that the CLM damage increases from lower to upper canopy of the plant. The highest level of infestation was observed on the upper canopy of citrus plants, followed by a middle and lower canopy in the case of all citrus cultivars. The CLM damage also varied between six citrus cultivars with the highest level of 24.24% for Meyer Lime and 21.42% for Kinnow cultivars and the least affected cultivar by CLM feeding was Musambi with 9.31% infestation. Among the leaf traits, nitrogen and moisture contents showed significant and positive relation with CLM infestation in all citrus cultivars. Total minerals in leaves didn't show the significant (P > 0.05) relation with CLM damage in all citrus cultivars. Crude proteins showed significant relation with CLM only in the case of the Meyer Lime cultivar. Our findings suggest that the moisture level and nitrogen contents in the leaves are important factors for enhancing the activity of CLM and this interaction can impact the growth and productivity of citrus plants.