Seasonal and Host-Plant Associated Population Changes ofHomalodisca liturata1Ball in Northwest Mexico

Abstract

Abstract. Homalodisca liturata Ball, commonly known as “smoke tree sharpshooter”, transmits Xillela fastidiosa Wells bacterium, which causes Pierce's disease and severe damage to many U.S. and Mexican orchards. This is the first observation of variation in host preference among populations of H. liturata in Mexico. Plants preferred by H. liturata were studied during 2007 and 2008 in an experimental field of a community of sarcocaulescent shrub plants in southern Baja California Peninsula. Thirty-one species of plants were associated with the insect, but only 26 where host plants, with a marked preference for Yucca valida Brand. and Prosopis articulate S. Watts, on which greater numbers of insects were found; fewer insects were observed on Lysiloma candida Brand., Cyrtocarpa edulis Brand., and Bursera microphylla A. Gray. Most insects were observed in March and April, and the insect was generally absent in the summer between July and September when temperatures were warmest. Y. valida is a host with potent...