BACKGROUND: The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, is a vector of bacteria presumably responsible for huanglongbing (HLB) disease in citrus. In this laboratory study, an investigation was made of the activity of pyriproxyfen, a juvenile hormone mimic, on ACP eggs, nymphs and adults to evaluate its potential as a biorational insecticide for inclusion in an integrated pest management (IPM) program for ACP. RESULTS: Irrespective of egg age, timing or method of treatment, a significantly lower percentage of eggs (5-29%) hatched after exposure to 64 and 128 microg mL(-1) of pyriproxyfen. Only 0-36% of early instars (first, second and third) and 25-74% of late instars (fourth and fifth) survived to adults following exposure to 16, 32 and 64 microg mL(-1) of pyriproxyfen. However, 15-20% of adults that emerged following treatment as late instars exhibited morphological abnormalities. Furthermore, pyriproxyfen adversely affected reproduction (fecundity and fertility) of adults that emerged from treated fifth instars or that were treated topically with 0.04 microg as adults. CONCLUSIONS: Application of pyriproxyfen at 64 microg mL(-1) resulted in greater inhibition of egg hatch and suppression of adult emergence compared with lower rates. Pyriproxyfen also markedly reduced female fecundity and egg viability for adults that were exposed either as fifth instars or as newly emerged adults. The ovicidal, larvicidal and reproductive effects against ACP suggest that pyriproxyfen is suitable for integration into an IPM program for ACP.