Abstract
The apple proliferation (AP) disease is spread mostly by two psyllids. Each species plays a predominant role as AP vector that changes regionally. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify the AP vectors in each region where the disease is present. This research aimed at identifying the psyllid community in apple orchards from Asturias (NW Spain) and studying their possible role in AP transmission. Yellow sticky traps were used to monitor psyllid community in five cider-apple orchards during 2 years. 3678 individuals belonging to 22 species were identified. We confirmed the presence of the two known vectors, Cacopsyllapicta and Cacopsylla melanoneura, although they occurred in relatively low numbers (2.1 and 0.7 % of total catches, respectively). Most collected psyllids are not supposed to use apple as host, and their occurrence is likely favoured by landscape structure and an insect-friendly management. Phytoplasma detection was performed by squash-capture real-time PCR. The pathogen was detected in six species (Cacopsylla crataegi, Cacopsylla mali, Ctenarytaina spatulata,Ctenarytaina eucalypti and the two known AP vectors). Based on abundance and AP-detection rate C. picta is likely the main species spreading AP in our region. However, the low density of the known vectors does not match the widespread and high tree damage level observed in Asturias. The discovery of other four psyllid species carrying the phytoplasma reveals that our knowledge on the potential vectors is limited and that more research is clearly needed to unravel the role of the psyllid fauna in disease transmission in our orchards.
Highlights
IntroductionThe apple proliferation (AP), induced by ‘Candidatus
The apple proliferation (AP), induced by ‘CandidatusPhytoplasma mali’, is a serious disease that causes significant economic losses to apple growers
Cacopsylla picta and C. melanoneura use apple as primary hosts, C. melanoneura can reproduce on hawthorn and pear, and both species use conifers for overwintering (Ossiannilsson 1992). The phenology of both psyllids is synchronized with apple phenology, and it is probably mediated by temperature
Summary
The apple proliferation (AP), induced by ‘Candidatus. Phytoplasma mali’, is a serious disease that causes significant economic losses to apple growers. The multiplication and spread of phytoplasmas in apple trees is accompanied by the appearance of different symptoms (Kartte and Seemüller 1988; Zimmermann et al 2015). The most characteristic symptom allowing a reliable identification of the infected plants is the witches’ brooms caused by the loss of apical dominance of shoots and the proliferation of axillary buds. Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Apdo. Full list of author information is available at the end of the article regions, with a highest economic impact occurring in Germany and northern Italy (Foissac and Wilson 2010). Annual losses due to AP in these two countries have been estimated in € 125 million (Strauss 2009)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
