Spatial dispersion patterns of potential leafhopper and planthopper (Homoptera) vectors of phytoplasma in wine vineyards

Abstract

Species from three subfamilies of Cicadellidae and one species of Cixiidae, all potential vectors of phytoplasmas, were trapped in vineyards over the course of two years. These insects were caught on yellow sticky traps during the spring; virtually none were trapped during the summer months. Molecular analysis (PCR) of selected samples of the leafhoppers and planthoppers for presence of phytoplasma DNA was conducted on most species. Neoaliturus fenestratus was the most abundant known vector species and was positive for stolbur (Stol) and aster yellows (AY) phytoplasma. Circulifer haematoceps complex, which were also positive for Stol and AY, were about 10-fold fewer than N. fenestratus. Hyalesthes obsoletus, also a known phytoplasma vector, occurred in substantial numbers only late in the season when the vines and leaves were dehiscing and turning brown, but was positive for Stol and AY. A species whose vector status is unknown (Megophthalmus scabripennis) was also caught in large numbers and was shown, by PCR analysis, to be positive for AY. Other known vector species trapped included: Anaceratagallia laevis (positive for AY), Austroagallia sinuata, Dryodurades sp. (dlabolai ?) (positive for AY), Macrosteles quadripunctulatus (positive for Stol), and Orosius orientalis. The spatial dispersion pattern of the four most abundant species were investigated by using Moran's I spatial statistic; N. fenestratus and M. scabripennis showed significant spatial patterns, whereas C. haematoceps and H. obsoletus did not.

The molecular epidemiology of bois noir grapevine yellows caused by ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’ in the Republic of Macedonia

“…The incidence and dispersal of vector-borne plant pathogens depends upon the abundance of the vector(s), their interplant movement and a high infection rate (Power 1992;Orenstein et al 2003;Trivellone et al 2005). The infection rate of H. obsoletus specimens collected from U. dioica and C. arvensis was approximately 20 %, and the abundance of their populations was high in southeastern Macedonia.…”

Spatial and temporal distribution of Empoasca vitis within a vineyard

“…These migrations have to be taken into account for adequate Integrated Pest Management strategies ( Lamp & Zhao, 1993;Holt et al , 1996 ;Ishii-Eitman et al , 1997;Irwin, 1999;Jeger, 1999 ;Matsumura & Suzuki, 2003 ;Orenstein et al , 2003;Emmen et al , 2004;Decante & van Helden, 2006 ).…”

Roles of stolbur phytoplasma and Reptalus panzeri (Cixiinae, Auchenorrhyncha) in the epidemiology of Maize redness in Serbia

“…The stolbur phytoplasma is transmitted by the cixiids Hyalesthes obsoletus and Pentastiridius beieri (Fos, Danet, Zreik, Garnier, & Bové, 1992;Gatineau et al, 2001), and it has been detected in R. panzeri from infected vineyards in Hungary (Palermo et al, 2004). This phytoplasma was also detected in several leafhopper species in Israel (Orenstein et al, 2003). Stolbur phytoplasma has a broad plant host range.…”