Preliminary studies on the potential vectors of European stone fruit yellows phytoplasma
Several phytoplasma diseases of stone fruits described under various names (e.g. Apricot chlorotic leaf roll phytoplasma – EPPO A2 quarantine pest, Japanese plum leptonecrosis, peach yellows etc.) are now considered to be caused by the European stone fruit yellows phytoplasma (see EPPO RS 96/003 and 97/076). In 1994-96, studies were carried out in two infected orchards of apricot and plum in Emilia-Romagna (Italy) on the potential vectors of the European stone fruit yellows phytoplasma. The presence of the phytoplasma could be detected by nested-PCR in Cicadellidae (in sub-family Typhlocybinae and in the genera Anaceratagallia and Euscelis). The proportion of leafhoppers carrying the phytoplasma was low. The authors pointed out the no firm conclusions can be drawn, as it is well known that the detection of phytoplasmas in an insect does not necessarily indicate that the insect is a vector, nevertheless such results can be the starting point for further transmission experiments studies with leafhoppers.
Sources
Poggi Pollini, C.; Giunchedi, L.; Bussani, R.; Mordenti, G.L.; Nicoli, Aldini, R.; Cravedi, P. (1997) Early results of work on the vectors of European stone fruit yellows phytoplasma.
IOBC Bulletin, 20(6), 39-42.