First report of Scaphoideus titanus for Madeira Island

Abstract

This is the first report of Scaphoideus titanus, the main vector of flavescence dorée, for Madeira (Portugal) and also for Macaronesia. This new record currently represents its southernmost occurrence in Europe. This leafhopper is present in most of the primary wine production regions in the north of Madeira island. There were no symptoms of flavescence dorée disease during the monitoring period from 2010 to 2017. The ability of S. titanus to survive in regions with a subtropical climate suggests that it may also live in the most meridional areas of the Mediterranean region where, until now, it has been absent.