Do spittlebugs feed on grape? Assessing transmission potential for <i>Xylella fastidiosa</i>

Authors

  • M.R.M. Sandanayaka The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited, Private Bag 92169, Auckland Mail Centre, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
  • M. Nielsen The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited, Private Bag 4704, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
  • V.A. Davis The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited, Private Bag 92169, Auckland Mail Centre, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
  • R.C. Butler The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited, Private Bag 4704, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30843/nzpp.2017.70.23

Keywords:

Xylella fastidiosa, spittlebugs, Pierce’s disease, Electrical Penetration Graph

Abstract

The bacterium Xylella fastidiosa is a causal agent of Pierce’s disease in grapevines and is considered to be vectored by several xylem-feeding insects. Xylella fastidiosa and its primary insect vector Homalodisca vitripennis are not currently present in New Zealand, but considered a biosecurity threat to the wine industry. Should it be introduced, infection and dispersal of X. fastidiosa within New Zealand vineyards could occur through extant vectors, especially spittlebugs. Electrical Penetration Graph technology was used to compare the feeding behaviour of three spittlebug species (Philaenus spumarius, Carystoterpa fingens and Carystoterpa minor) on grape (Vitis vinifera Sauvignon blanc) and their original host plants. Results suggest that Philaenus spumarius feeds on grape more than the other two spittlebug species. As Philaenus spumarius has been reported as a vector of X. fastidiosa, their potential to transmit the bacterium into grapevines is discussed based on the real feeding times recorded by EPG.

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Published

2017-08-08

How to Cite

Sandanayaka, M.R.M., M. Nielsen, V.A. Davis, and R.C. Butler. “Gt”;. New Zealand Plant Protection 70 (August 8, 2017): 31–37. Accessed October 3, 2023. https://journal.nzpps.org/index.php/nzpp/article/view/23.

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