Scaphoideus Titanus Research Articles

Monitoring and management of the Nearctic leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in Italian vineyards.

The Nearctic leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus Ball (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) is the main vector of the grapevine flavescence dorée (FD) phytoplasmas in Europe. To limit the impact of pest control activities on human health and the environment, EU legislation is withdrawing a growing number of active ingredients (a.i.), highlighting the need to evaluate alternative S. titanus management tools. In this context, we carried out a three-year (2021-2023) study in Italian vineyards characterized by high S. titanus populations. We compared the effectiveness of different insecticide-based strategies, i.e., targeting only nymphs (2021) or nymphs and adults (2022-2023), by spraying some of the currently allowed products (i.e., flupyradifurone, acetamiprid, sulfoxaflor, etofenprox, deltamethrin, and pyrethrins). The effectiveness of insecticide-based treatments was evaluated in terms of adult catches on yellow sticky traps. Furthermore, to achieve useful insights for optimizing current monitoring tools, we compared S. titanus catches on sticky traps of five different colors (i.e., yellow, green, blue, black, and white), as well as those achieved with two types of currently marketed yellow sticky traps. Results showed that etofenprox, deltamethrin, and sulfoxaflor were the most effective products for reducing S. titanus adult populations (33.64%, 30.30%, and 31.26%, respectively). Yellow and green sticky traps were more attractive to S. titanus adults than white, blue, and black ones. Moreover, a significant difference in capture efficiency was observed between two commercial yellow devices (i.e., tenfold higher catches using Glutor over Super color). Practical implications of our results are discussed in the context of current IPM against this key leafhopper vector of FD.

Limited Variation in Bacterial Communities of Scaphoideus titanus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) Across European Populations and Different Life Stages

The Nearctic leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) is the primary vector of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma vitis’, the causative agent of Flavescence doreé in Europe. Although microorganisms play an important role in the ecology and behavior of insects, knowledge about the interaction between S. titanus and microbes is limited. In this study, we employed an amplicon metabarcoding approach for profiling the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene to characterize the bacterial communities of S. titanus across several populations from four European localities. Additionally, we investigated changes in bacterial communities between nymphal and adult stages. In total, we identified 7,472 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) in adults from the European populations. At the genus level, ‘Candidatus Karelsulcia’ and ‘Candidatus Cardinium’ were the most abundant genera, with both being present in every individual. While we found significant changes in the microbial composition of S. titanus across different European populations, no significant differences were observed between nymphal and adult stages. Our study reveals new insights into the microbial composition of S. titanus and highlights the role of geography in influencing its bacterial community.

Climate change is likely to favour polyvoltine and invasive insect species, leading to more damage in the mid-latitude vineyards of Neuchatel

Climate change has major impacts on viticultural ecosystems worldwide, affecting wine production. Apart from direct impacts, the increase in temperature during the development season is likely to favour insect species, including polyvoltine ones, leading potentially to more damage in the vineyards. In this study, we examined the extent to which changes in mean temperature over the development season (March through September) can potentially increase the voltinism change the phenology and influence the reproduction of pest species in the vineyard area of Neuchatel (Switzerland). We first analysed long-term daily mean temperature data from 1970 to 2022 at the meteorological station of Neuchâtel. Then we used two climate scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) to analyse daily mean temperature during the period 2023–2099. For both of these periods, we computed the number of growing degree days (GDDs) above 10 °C, as it is the base development temperature for many polyvoltine pest species. We then used specific bioclimatic models for two major pest species, namely the European grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana) and the American grapevine leafhopper (Scaphoideus titanus) to compare the current and future suitability of these two species to the air temperature conditions in Neuchâtel. Our results show an increase of about 425 GDDs since 1970 (+85 GDDs per decade). According to our models, values will continue to rise during the next decades, with a trend ranging from +28 GDDs per decade (RCP4.5) to +100 GDDs per decade (RCP8.5). This could lead to additional generations of polyvoltine pest species. A third annual generation can be expected in one year out of four for the European grapevine moth by the middle of the 21st century. While temperature conditions are currently moderately favourable for the American grapevine leafhopper, they are predicted to become highly favourable by the middle and the end of the century under both scenarios. These trends mean that climate change is likely to increase pest damage risks in the vineyards of Neuchatel in the future. Pest regulation will remain crucial in limiting major impacts on wine production.

Gone-wild grapevines in forests host phytoplasma genotypes linked to grapevine’s flavescence dorée epidemics in cultivated vineyards and competent vectors

Abstract“Flavescence dorée” (FD) is a quarantine grapevine disease associated with FD phytoplasmas (FDp). In Switzerland, FD was identified in 2004 in the southernmost part of Canton Ticino (TI) and then rapidly propagated throughout the entire regional winegrowing area despite the mandatory control measures. The reported widespread distribution of gone-wild grapevines (GWGV) in TI raised the hypothesis of a potential role of GWGV as an FDp reservoir and as a habitat for FDp vectors. To test this assumption, GWGV and FDp vectors were sampled in 13 plots to attest their infection status and compare the FDp genetic profiles. The primary (Scaphoideus titanus) and best-candidate alternative (Orientus ishidae) vectors were collected throughout the season and were found in moderate to high abundance in all the study area. The infection rate of both GWGV and S. titanus followed the historical gradient of S. titanus arrival and dispersal in TI with a clear geographic distinction between the southern and northern part of TI. Interestingly, the rate measured for S. titanus was similar to that observed in highly FD-infested cultivated vineyards. Moreover, the genetic profiles of the infected GWGV and S. titanus samples were identical to those commonly observed in cultivated vineyards (map M54). Importantly, four specimens of O. ishidae were also found harboring the same genotype. This study emphasizes the importance of GWGV (and abandoned vineyards) and alternative vectors for the FD epidemics in FD-infested regions, as well as a potential origin for FD outbreaks in areas currently designated as FDp-free.

Scaphoideus titanus up-to-the-minute: biology, ecology, and role as a vector

Scaphoideus titanus up-to-the-minute: biology, ecology, and role as a vector

Genetic diversity of phytoplasmas associated with flavescence dorée at vineyard scale on the Ischia Island (Campania, Italy)

Flavescence dorée (FD) is the most important grapevine yellows, constituting a great threat in all major viticultural areas in Europe. The FD causal agent is an incidentally cited phytoplasma species termed ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma vitis’ (FDp), listed as a quarantine organism in Europe and mainly transmitted from vine to vine by the monophagous leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus. In the present study, the genetic variability of FDp identified in symptomatic plants located in a vineyard cv. Biancolella on the Ischia Island (Campania, Italy) was investigated. Our results unveiled for the first time the presence of FDp strains belonging to the subgroup 16SrV–C with a low genetic variability within map and rp genetic markers, reflecting an homogeneous genetic lineage of phytoplasma population examined in the present study. Phylogeny and nucleotide sequence analyses can also suggest the possible involvement of other insect vectors and plant hosts in the FD epidemiology on the Island. Further investigation to ascertain the presence of putative vectors and plant hosts representing inoculum sources should be carried out to reinforce the preliminary results obtained in the present study.

Risk Assessment for the Spread of Flavescence Dorée-Related Phytoplasmas from Alder to Grapevine by Alternative Insect Vectors in Germany.

"Flavescence dorée" (FD)-related phytoplasmas are widespread in alder in Germany and their transmission to grapevine represents a high risk for FD outbreaks when the primary vector, Scaphoideus titanus, becomes present in the future. Therefore, the potential role of the Deltocephalinae leafhopper species in transmitting FD-related phytoplasmas from alder to grapevine was studied in extensive transmission trials conducted between 2017 and 2020. The transmission capacity of autochthonous Allygus spp. and the invasive Orientus ishidae captured on infected alder trees was tested under controlled conditions using various test designs, including grouped insects and single-insect studies. The latter experiments were analyzed in terms of survival probability, transmission success and phytoplasma load in the insects, measured by quantitative PCR. A minimum inoculation titer (MIT) required for successful transmission to alder was defined for both Allygus spp. and O. ishidae. While Allygus spp. exhibited slightly better survival on Vitis vinifera compared to O. ishidae, the latter displayed higher phytoplasma loads and greater transmission success. Although all species were capable of infecting alder seedlings, O. ishidae was able to transmit 16SrV-phytoplasmas directly to single grapevines. Infective adults of O. ishidae were captured from the beginning of July until the end of August, while Allygus spp. were only considered infective towards the end of the season. Thus, O. ishidae likely poses a higher risk for FD transmission from alder to grapevine, albeit at a very low level, as only five out of 90 transmission trials to V. vinifera were successful.

Protective and curative effect of an experimental biocomplex against Flavescence dorée phytoplasma infection and transmission by Scaphoideus titanus under laboratory conditions

Flavescence dorée (FD) is one of the most devastating diseases threatening grapevine cultivation in Europe. The causal agents are phytoplasmas, which reside in phloem vessels of infected plants and in the body of leafhopper vectors, the most important being Scaphoideus titanus. Current control mainly relies on vector management, which is often insufficient to prevent from disease outbreaks. Suitable methods to interfere with phytoplasmas in planta are constantly sought to support insecticide sprays. We tested a biocomplex containing trace elements and soluble sugars, with potential systemic spread and antimicrobial activity, with the aim to verify its capability to penetrate plant phloem and to interfere with phytoplasma survival in vector-inoculated plants, using two FD isolates (FD-C and FD-D). The penetration into the plant phloem, as well as its acquisition by phloem-feeding vectors, were tested using an iridium-marked biocomplex. Phytoplasma infection was detected by real Time PCR and compared in plants exposed to biocomplex treatment before inoculation (short-time and mid-time preventive application), and to treatment after inoculation (curative application). We also assessed if the biocomplex interferes with the vector competence of S. titanus, by conducting phytoplasma transmission trials with sequential inoculation steps, where untreated and biocomplex-treated grapevine plantlets were sequentially offered to infectious leafhoppers. Foliar treatment with the biocomplex supported the penetration of phloem tissues, and the product was successfully acquired by the experimental phytoplasma vector Euscelidius variegatus after feeding on the phloem of treated plants. When the biocomplex was applied on grapevines, it induced a significant reduction of phytoplasma infection regardless of FD isolate, both as a preventive and curative treatment, indicating an antibacterial activity in the plant. Moreover, sequential inoculation experiments showed a decrease of S. titanus inoculation rates after vector exposure to a biocomplex-treated plant, suggesting a reduction of transmission efficiency that was higher using the FD-C rather than FD-D isolate. Our results indicate the tested biocomplex as a promising tool for the creation of anti-phytoplasma formulations to support vector management in FD containment.

New host-parasitoid association and the Trojan horse strategy adopted by the cuckoo wasp Elampus bidens with two vectors of Flavescence Dorée: Scaphoideus titanus and Orientus ishidae

New host-parasitoid association and the Trojan horse strategy adopted by the cuckoo wasp Elampus bidens with two vectors of Flavescence Dorée: Scaphoideus titanus and Orientus ishidae

Investigation on Flavescence Dorée in North-Western Italy Identifies Map-M54 (16SrV-D/Map-FD2) as the Only Phytoplasma Genotype in Vitis vinifera L. and Reveals the Presence of New Putative Reservoir Plants.

Flavescence dorée (FD) is the most important phytoplasma-associated disease of the grapevine yellows complex in Europe. Recent studies highlighted a great genetic diversity within FD phytoplasma (FDp) strains and demonstrated that their diffusion is not related exclusively to the pathosystem including Vitis vinifera L. and Scaphoideus titanus but involves additional vectors and reservoir plants. This study aimed to investigate FD epidemiology in north-western Italy, with a particular focus on FDp hosts. During field surveys, leaf samples were collected from symptomatic grapevines and other symptomless plant species, and insects were collected within and around vineyards. Phytoplasmas belonging to the ribosomal group 16SrV were detected and typed using nested-PCR-based amplification and nucleotide sequence analyses of the map gene. All symptomatic grapevines were found to be infected by the FDp genotype M54, prevalent in S. titanus and also identified in other known and newly reported hosts. Interestingly, other FDp strains (M38, M50, M51, M121) and FDp-related strains (M39, M43, M48), never detected in grapevines, were largely identified in several known and newly reported host plants and insects including S. titanus. Such evidence confirmed the complexity of FD ecology, expanding the knowledge on the range of FDp host plants putatively involved in the disease spread.

Diversity of hopper species (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha) in the vineyards established in Congaz village, Comrat district, Republic of Moldova

The paper presents the results of the monitoring of the hopper fauna in the vineyards established in Congaz village, Comrat district, Republic of Moldova. The observations were carried out from May to October 2022; as a result, there were detected 27 hopper species in the vineyard. Most of the species belong to the family Cicadellidae – 21 species, also there were identified members of families Membracidae – 1 species, Cixiidae – 4, Issidae – 1. Four out of those species are adventive imported from Asia (Arboridia kakogawana, Japananus hyalinus) and North America (Scaphoideus titanus, Stictocephala bisonia). Due to the use of the glue traps, there were obtained data on the seasonal dynamics of adventive hopper species and peculiarities of their behavior, as well as a number of potential vineyard pests were identified.

Gone‐wild grapevines in forests may act as a potential habitat for ‘Flavescence dorée’ phytoplasma vectors and inoculum

Abstract‘Flavescence dorée’ (FD) is a quarantine grapevine disease associated with FD phytoplasmas (FDp). In Switzerland, FD was first reported in 2004 in the southern part of the Canton Ticino, from where, within a few years, it spread to nearly the entire vineyard area of the Southern Alps, despite the mandatory control measures. The aim of this study was to assess the possible role of gone‐wild grapevines (GWGVs) in forests resulting from early abandoned vineyards as a habitat for the main FDp vector, Scaphoideus titanus, and for the best alternative vector candidate, Orientus ishidae, as well as an FDp inoculum reservoir in Southern Switzerland. Leaf samples were collected in 20 plots and tested for the presence of FDp. Moreover, fifteen of these plots were monitored with yellow sticky traps to determine the presence and infection status of insect vectors. Finally, a hatching experiment under controlled conditions was conducted to investigate the possible oviposition activity by FDp vectors, using wood collected from GWGVs present in 11 forest sites in the surroundings of cultivated vineyards. GWGVs in forests were confirmed to act as an FDp reservoir and to represent a suitable habitat for FDp vectors (in particular, for S. titanus). Abandoned vineyards should be included in the FD management strategy and their systematic rogueing should be applied as soon as possible and in particular before the transition from vineyard to forest occurs, in order to avoid the survival of S. titanus and the establishment of inoculum in uncontrolled landscape compartments.

Lab-scale method for plant-mediated delivery of dsRNAs to phloem-feeding leafhoppers

RNA interference (RNAi) regulates gene expression in eukaryotes, and it is an emerging tool in crop protection by exogenous applications of double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) to silence the expression of essential pest genes. Nevertheless, delivery of dsRNAs to sap-sucking insects is a major challenge for RNAi applications. The present work aimed at verifying whether in leafhopper species, RNAi can be triggered by plant-mediated delivery, and providing a proof of concept towards field applications. Two phytoplasma vectors species, Euscelidius variegatus and Scaphoideus titanus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), were used as case study. Gene silencing can be achieved efficiently in both species through microinjection of dsRNAs, despite the technique being time consuming and inapplicable on large scale. This protocol was set as gold standard for the development of a higher throughput approach. Soaking of nymphs in a solution with co-adjuvant and dsRNAs as well as insect feeding on whole plants or detached leaves immersed in a dsRNA solution were assayed as alternative delivery strategies. Nymph soaking did not induce specific gene silencing, while plant absorption proved to be suitable to deliver both a coloured solution and control dsRNAs targeting green fluorescent protein gene. Insect feeding on detached leaves immersed in dsRNA solution was selected to test silencing of two gut-specific (legumain and natterin) and one ubiquitous (ATP synthase β) genes. The expression of the three genes significantly decreased in E. variegatus insects fed on dsRNA-treated plants. Similarly, a significant reduction of ATP synthase β transcript was measured in S. titanus fed on dsRNA-treated plants.

Epidemiology of flavescence dorée and hazelnut decline in Slovenia: geographical distribution and genetic diversity of the associated 16SrV phytoplasmas.

Flavescence dorée (FD) phytoplasma from 16SrV-C and -D subgroups cause severe damage to grapevines throughout Europe. This phytoplasma is transmitted from grapevine to grapevine by the sap-sucking leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus. European black alder and clematis serve as perennial plant reservoirs for 16SrV-C phytoplasma strains, and their host range has recently been extended to hazelnuts. In Slovenia, hazelnut orchards are declining due to 16SrV phytoplasma infections, where large populations of the non-autochthonous leafhopper Orientus ishidae have been observed. To better characterise the phytoplasma-induced decline of hazelnut and possible transmission fluxes between these orchards and grapevine, genetic diversity of 16SrV phytoplasmas in grapevine, hazelnut and leafhoppers was monitored from 2017 to 2022. The nucleotide sequence analysis was based on the map gene. The most prevalent map genotype in grapevine in all wine-growing regions of Slovenia was M54, which accounted for 84% of the 176 grapevines tested. Besides M54, other epidemic genotypes with lower frequency were M38 (6%), M51 (3%), M50 (2%) and M122 (1%). M38, M50 and M122 were also detected in infected cultivated hazelnuts and in specimens of O. ishidae leafhopper caught in declining hazelnut orchards. It suggests that this polyphagous vector could be responsible for phytoplasma infection in hazelnut orchards and possibly for some phytoplasma exchanges between hazelnuts and grapevine. We hereby describe new genotypes: M158 in grapevine as well as four never reported genotypes M159 to M162 in hazelnut. Of these four genotypes in hazelnut, one (M160) was also detected in O. ishidae. Analysis of additional genes of the new genotypes allowed us to assign them to the VmpA-III cluster, which corresponds to the 16SrV-C strains previously shown to be compatible with S. titanus transmission.

Controlling <i>Scaphoideus titanus</i> with kaolin? Summary of four years of field trials in Switzerland

Flavescence dorée is a quarantine phytoplasma-borne disease transmitted primarily by the leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus. When S. titanus and Flavescence dorée are present in the same vineyard, the vector has to be controlled mandatory with insecticides to limit the transmission of the disease to healthy grapevines. Natural pyrethrins are currently the only registered insecticide to control this vector in Swiss commercial vineyards. To find alternative products against this insect, we tested the effectiveness of kaolin, a white inert aluminosilicate mineral, in 11 independent field trials over four consecutive years from 2018 to 2021. Using kaolin at rates between 20 and 40 kg/ha applied two to three times at the beginning of hatching resulted in an average reduction in leafhopper densities of 36.8 %, with efficacy values ranging from 0 to 88.9 % for the 18 different interventions. Overall, the efficacy of the different kaolin dosages and application strategies did not equal those commonly recorded for natural pyrethrins, which showed a mean efficacy of 74.8 % in the six independent field trials and single reduction values ranging from 41.3 to 97.4 %. Given these highly variable efficacy levels of kaolin, we conclude that the use of kaolin to control S. titanus does not provide an efficient alternative to natural pyrethrins in compulsory control areas of Flavescence dorée in Swiss vineyards.

First records of Graphocephala fennahi Young, 1977 and Pochazia shantungensis (Chou & Lu, 1977) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae, Ricaniidae) in Russia

AbstractGraphocephala fennahi Young, 1977 (Cicadellidae) was observed for the first time in Russia in 2018 in Moscow City on hedge bindweed, Calystegia sepium (Convolvulaceae) and Rhododendron spp. (Ericaceae). A small population of Pochazia shantungensis (Chou & Lu, 1977) (Ricaniidae) was recorded for the first time in Russia in 2022 in Sochi City, Krasnodar Territory, on the broad‐leaf privet, Ligustrum lucidum (Oleaceae). It is likely that both species of insects were accidentally introduced with ornamental plants for planting. In total, alien Auchenorrhyncha species in Russia now comprise six species, two of which are of Asian origin (Orosanga japonica and P. shantungensis; both Ricaniidae) and four are of Nearctic origin (Stictocephala bisonia [Membracidae], Metcalfa pruinosa [Flatidae], Scaphoideus titanus and G. fennahi [both Cicadellidae]).

Transcriptional profile of selected flavescence dorée phytoplasma genes during infection of insect vectors and host plants

Flavescence dorée is an economically important vector-borne disease of grapevine in Europe caused by phytoplasmas belonging to the 16SrV ribosomal group. Expression profiles of 11 genes of the Flavescence dorée phytoplasma (FDp) were analysed over time following infection of natural (Vitis vinifera and the leafhopper vector Scaphoideus titanus) and experimental (Vicia faba and Euscelidius variegatus) hosts. Infected and symptomatic grapevine plants (Chardonnay) were sampled under natural field conditions in a productive vineyard in north-western Italy. Broad bean samples were assayed after the experimental inoculation with infectious E. variegatus. Adults of both vector species were analyzed following FDp acquisition from infected broad bean plants. The selected FDp genes were grouped according to their putative functions within different categories, namely ‘Membrane proteins’ (imp), ‘Regulative elements’ (spoVG, rpoD), ‘Protein metabolism, transport and secretion’ (tldD, ysdC, ftsY), ‘Stress response’ (comp83, osmC), ‘ABC transporters’ (CoABC) and ‘Unknown’ function (contig12, comp115). All analyzed genes were expressed in the four different host species suggesting their crucial role during the FDp infection cycle. Moreover, some of them (contig12, CoABC, comp83, and imp) might be considered essential for phytoplasma survival irrespective of the host, while comp115 seems to be required for insect infection. We showed that FDp is metabolically more active in insects than in plants, at least according to the pool of selected genes for this study, indicating that FDp behaves differently in the two hosts compared to other phytoplasma species/strains.

Efficacy of Conventional and Organic Insecticides against Scaphoideus titanus: Field and Semi-Field Trials

Scaphoideus titanus is the main vector of phytoplasmas associated with Flavescence dorée (FD), one of the most serious threats to viticulture in many European countries. To minimize the spread of this disease, mandatory control measures against S. titanus were decided in Europe. In the 1990s, the repeated application of insecticides (mainly organophosphates) proved to be an effective measure to control the vector and the related disease in north-eastern Italy. These insecticides and most of the neonicotinoids were recently banned from European viticulture. Serious FD issues detected in the recent years in northern Italy could be related to the use of less effective insecticides. Trials aimed at evaluating the efficacy of the most used conventional and organic insecticides in the control of S. titanus have been performed in semi-field and field conditions to test this hypothesis. In efficacy trials, carried out in four vineyards, etofenprox and deltamethrin proved to be the best conventional insecticides, while pyrethrins were the most impactful among organic insecticides. Insecticide residual activity was evaluated in semi-field and field conditions. Acrinathrin showed the most significant residual effects in both conditions. In semi-field trials, most of the pyrethroids were associated with good results in terms of residual activity. However, these effects declined in field conditions, probably due to high temperatures. Organic insecticides showed poor results in terms of residual efficacy. Implications of these results in the context of Integrated Pest Management in conventional and organic viticulture are discussed.

Preliminary investigations of the main Flavescence dorée vector Scaphoideus titanus and its first record in Kosovo

Scaphoideus titanus Ball is a major pest of grapevine in Europe, being the main vector of Flavescence dorée phytoplasma (FDp). The North American grapevine leafhopper was identified in neighboring countries, however, the FDp vector was not recorded and there is no available data on its presence in Kosovo. In 2021, initial investigations were conducted and field surveys were carried out in the region of Rahovec in order to evaluate the presence of S. titanus in Kosovarian vineyards. The survey was established in seventeen vineyards in different locations and grapevine varieties. In the middle of June, in each vineyard chosen for investigation were settled yellow sticky traps for surveying and sampling of leafhoppers. All plantations were subjected to fungicide treatment and no insecticide treatment was applied for S. titanus. The captures on the yellow sticky traps indicated that the North American grapevine leafhopper was present in Kosovo. Its population was different in investigated vineyards. Of the seventeen vineyards monitored, in twelve of them was captured the FDp vector, two sticky traps were damaged, and in three vineyards was not captured any specimen of Scaphoideus titanus. An average, of two up to forty-nine specimens of S. titanus per trap were collected over the surveyed period from the beginning of June until the end of September 2021. These results show only the distribution of S. titanus in the surveyed area. Furthermore, the presence of the North American grapevine leafhopper in Kosovo is an alert for urgent phytosanitary control of the quarantine phytoplasma Flavescence dorée (FD).

TWO YEARS OF THE LEAFHOPPER SCAPHOIDEUS TITANUS DYNAMICS ON PERGOLA HYBRID VINE IN A HOME GARDEN

The grapevine leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus Ball 1932 is an invasive species of North American origin reported in Europe in the 1950s in France where it was accidentally introduced. Shortly after, the species was identified as a natural vector of the phytoplasma associated with the Flavescence Dorée disease in French vineyards. The species quickly spread to other European countries, including Romania. This paper presents data regarding density and population dynamics of S. titanus recorded during two years of monitoring with yellow sticky traps on a pergola hybrid vine in a home garden in Northern Bucharest area. The nymphs were caught from the end of May (2021) until early August (2020) and mid-July (2021). The adults have appeared from the beginning of July until end of October in 2020 and until the middle of October in 2021, with a peak in September 2021 and August 2020.