Dispersal of the leafhoppers Matsumuratettix hiroglyphicus and Yamatotettix flavovittatus (Homoptera: Cicadellidae), vectors of sugarcane white leaf disease

Abstract

Sugarcane white leaf disease is a serious problem in many Asian Countries. The leafhoppers Matsumuratettix hiroglyphicus (Matsumura) and Yamatotettix flavovittatus Matsumura are the main vectors of sugarcane white leaf disease phytoplasma. Gaining a better understanding of the dispersal behavior of such insect vectors is essential for both disease epidemiology and vector control. The dispersal distances of M. hiroglyphicus and Y. flavovittatus in a sugarcane field were estimated by means of mark–release–recapture experiments. Adult leafhopper vectors collected from the fields were marked using fluorescent dye powder and released at a central release point in a sugarcane field. The marking method did not have a significant effect on the survival or flight activity of the leafhopper vectors. The overall release–recapture rates of M. hiroglyphicus and Y. flavovittatus within 50 m were 10.1 and 13.4 %, respectively. The estimated natural mean dispersal distances for M. hiroglyphicus and Y. flavovittatus were 162.1 and 387.5 m, respectively. Wind appears to be the main factor influencing the leafhopper dispersal direction.