Pear resistance to Psilla (Cacopsylla pyri L.). A review

Abstract

Pear psylla, Cacopsylla pyri L., is one of the most important insect pests in European pear production areas. Control measures are directed specifically at controlling pear psylla and require accurate and timely information about insect densities in the orchard. Thus, there is a widespread interest in the search for suitable biological control agents and in breeding for resistance to pear psylla. Modes of host plant resistance to pear psylla damage have been studied extensively by several authors and the susceptibility of many European pear genotypes have been investigated in order to detect cultivars resistant or highly tolerant to this pest useful in breeding programs. This review presents an update of published results and knowledge on psylla life, host finding for feeding and oviposition, type of damages, monitoring and control strategies with renewed and improved efficacies, resistance characterization and breeding, with particular regard to the identified sources of resistance and the screening methods.