Abstract

The Asian citrus psyllid ( Diaphorina citri ; ACP) serves as the principal vector for transmitting citrus Huanglongbing (HLB), the most destructive bacterial disease impacting the global citrus industry. HLB is managed via the effective control of ACP populations. A promising and environmentally sustainable strategy for pest management involves the development and use of plants resistant to insect pests. However, research on the identification of genes associated with resistance to ACP in citrus remains limited. The present study identified that the transcriptional factor CsERF060, a transcriptional repressor predominantly localized in the nucleus, was suppressed within 48 h of ACP infestation. The yeast one-hybrid, electrophoretic mobility shift, and dual luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that CsERF060 directly suppressed the expression of CsCYP82L1 , a key gene in citrus responsible for synthesizing defensive homoterpenes that deter ACPs, by binding to its promoter. Meanwhile, transient overexpression and RNAi-mediated silencing of CsERF060 in lemon ( Citrus limon ) leaves indicated that this transcription factor acts as a negative regulator of citrus resistance to ACP. Furthermore, transient overexpression of CsERF060 led to a reduction in DMNT emission. Thus, these findings improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying citrus defense against ACP. The study also proposes a promising target (CsERF060) for molecular breeding strategies aimed at enhancing ACP control and HLB management in citrus fields.