First report of Lamprotettix nitidulus as a vector of Flavescence dorée in France and Germany
A survey was conducted in vineyards of Palatinate (Germany) and Alsace (France) on possible reservoir plants and alternative vectors for Grapevine flavescence dorée phytoplasma (EPPO A2 List) between 2016 and 2019.
Among the 12 main wild woody plants and liana species sampled in the environments of vineyards, only alders (Alnus spp.) were infected by Grapevine flavescence dorée phytoplasma.
The following insect species were showed to carry Grapevine flavescence dorée phytoplasma: Allygus spp., Euscelidius variegatus, Fieberiella florii, Japananus hyalinus, Lamprotettix nitidulus, Orientus ishidae, Synophropsis lauri.
The native Lamprotettix nitidulus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) was confirmed as a vector by transmission trials.
Sources
Jarausch B, Abidon C, Biancu S, Salar P, Desqué D, Roques M, Runne M, Jarausch W, Markheiser A, Maixner M, Meistermann E (2026) The role of reservoir plants and alternative vectors for the spread of Flavescence dorée (FD) phytoplasmas in FD-free regions: Lamprotettix nitidulus identified as a new vector. Journal of Pest Science 99(1), 35.