Distribution and host range of the citrus leafhopper (Metcalfa pruinosa (Say, 1830)) in Kyiv

Abstract

Metcalfa pruinosa (Say, 1830) or the citrus leafhopper is an invasive sucking pest that is rapidly spreading across Ukraine and has been present in Kyiv since 2016. Nevertheless, there is currently a lack of comprehensive data on the host range and distribution of the citrus leafhopper in Kyiv. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the distribution and range of host plants of M. pruinosa in different types of phytocoenoses in Kyiv, in particular, in areas of the city not covered by previous studies. For this purpose the Kyiv flora was surveyed in 2021–2023. In 2021, only two plots were surveyed, located in Darnytskyi and Holosiivskyi districts, respectively. In 2022 vegetation was surveyed in different locations in Darnytskyi, Holosiivskyi and Podilskyi districts of Kyiv. In 2023, the flora was surveyed at 23 different locations, which ensured coverage of all administrative districts of Kyiv. As a result, the presence of citrus leafhopper in all districts of Kyiv was registered. At the same time, it should be noted that the distribution of M. pruinosa did not cover the entire territory of Kyiv, but only some parts of it. Therefore, it was concluded that the distribution of the citrus cicada in Kyiv was disjunctive. In addition, this study showed that 55 plant species belonging to 49 genera, 35 families and 23 orders are damaged by the citrus leafhopper in Kyiv. However, taking into account the previously known hosts of M. pruinosa in Kyiv, the host range of the citrus leafhopper in general contains at least 130 plant species belonging to 95 genera, 57 families and 30 orders. Moreover, according to both these and previously known data, the most represented order, family, and genera in host range of M. pruinosa in Kyiv were order Rosales Bercht. & J. Presl, family Rosaceae Juss., genera Acer L. and Prunus L. respectively. It was also found that in Kyiv, the citrus leafhopper most often damaged Humulus lupulus L., Juglans regia L. and species of the genus Acer L. Most frequently M. pruinosa damaged Humulus lupulus L., Juglans regia L., and species of the genus Acer L. In conclusion it should be noted that further investigation is needed to determine the distribution rate of M. pruinosa in all type of localities in Ukraine, to list host plants within them and to study pest biology in the newly settled territories. Key words: hop, maple, walnut, Humulus lupulus, Acer, Juglans regia, pest, parasite.