Symptom and insect vector presence associated with yellows diseases in some Romanian vineyards

Abstract

Detection of phytoplasma-associated symptoms and identification of Auchenorrhyncha group leaf- and planthoppers associated with yellows type diseases in vineyards of five important Romanian grapevine growing regions during 2009–2012 are presented. Typical grapevine yellows symptoms were observed in 17 out of 40 (45%) surveyed grapevine plots and varieties Chardonnay, Burgund Mare, Feteasca Regala and Merlot were the most susceptible. During this survey leaf- and planthoppers species, acknowledged or suspected as vectors of grapevine yellows disease, such as Scaphoideus titanus, Hyalesthes obsoletus, Reptalus panzeri, Dictyophara europaea, Metcalfa pruinosa, Stictocephala bisonia, Euscelidius variegatus, Fieberiella florii, Neoaliturus fenestratus were identified in all surveyed regions. S. titanus, the main vector of “flavescence doree”, has been found in grapevines from 15 viticultural centers distributed in all zones, as well as in Bucharest city areas and in two backyard house hybrid vine plots.