Diversity, population fluctuation and faunistic analysis of sharpshooters (hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellinae) in plum orchards in Videira, Santa Catarina, Brazil

Abstract

Sharpshooters are known vectors of Plum Leaf Scald, caused by Xylella fastidiosa. The present study assessed diversity, population fluctuation and faunistic analysis in two plum orchards in Santa Catarina – Brazil, from January 2011 to December 2012. Traps were installed at 10 equidistant points in each orchard: two traps, high and low, at each sampling point. Cicadellini were the most abundant tribe, with 15 species, seven of them potential vectors (Bucephalogonia xanthophis, Dilobopterus costalimai, Hortensia similis, Macugonalia cavifrons, Macugonalia leucomelas, Pawiloma gratiosa, and Sibovia sagata) and a total of 759 specimens. In Proconiini, six species were captured, including two potential vectors (Homalodisca ignorata and Oncometopia facialis), and a total of 226 specimens. Dominant species were Erythrogonia dorsalis, M. cavifrons, O. fusca, B. xanthophis, and O. facialis. Constant species were E. dorsalis, M. cavifrons, S. sagata, O. facilis, and O. fusca. In Cicadellini, 104 specimens were caught on high traps (11 species) and 655 on low traps (15). In Proconiini, 59 specimens on high traps (6) and 167 on low traps (4). The composition and community diversity were distinct when comparing the sampled orchards, according to Shannon and Equitability Indexes, Effective Number of Species, and Hutcheson t-Test. Cicadellinae population peak was in April for 2011, 2012 altogether. Dominant species population peaks were in February (E. dorsalis), April (M. cavifrons), July (B. xanthophis), September (O. facialis), and October (O. fusca). Population fluctuation is likely affected by biotic and abiotic factors, especially human activity and plant phenology.