New potential vectors of grapevine flavescence doree MLO
Experiments carried out in France showed that grapevine flavescence doree MLO (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) can be found in several insect species which, therefore, must be considered as potential vectors of the disease. Four species of homoptera were identified to carry the causal agent of the disease: Psylla pyricola, Zyginidia scutellaris, Muellerianella extrusa and Litemixia pulchripennis gave a good attachment of the FD-MLO. The authors concluded that further studies are necessary to investigate if these new potential vectors are capable of feeding on and transmission of the MLO to suitable host plants.
Sources
Lefol, C.; Caudwell, A.; Lherminier, J.; Larrue, J. ;(1993) Attachment of the flavescence doree pathogen (MLO) to leafhopper vectors and other insects.
Annals of applied Biology 123, 611-622.