SPECIES DIVERSITY, DISTRIBUTION, AND ABUNDANCE OF XYLEM FLUID FEEDING HEMIPTERA IN VINEYARDS THROUGHOUT TEXAS

• Author(s): Lauziere, Isabelle; Mitchell, Forrest; Sheather, Simon;
• Abstract: A survey of xylem fluid feeding insects (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha) exhibiting potential for transmission of Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) the bacterium causing Pierces disease (PD) of grapevine was initiated in Texas in 2003 and continues to the present. Twenty five insect species belonging to 4 families and 14 genera were collected from yellow sticky traps and identified. Among these, three species, two leafhoppers and one spittlebug, comprised over 90% of the xylem fluid feeding insects caught. Homalodisca vitripennis (formerly H. coagulata), the most commonly known vector of PD of grapevine in the U.S. is the most common and abundant insect captured across the state. Insect abundance varied significantly over seasons, with most of captures taking place between June and August, and per location, with 5 to 15 species caught at any given vineyard. Residual populations found overwintering near vineyards will be the focus of future studies. A grape strain and an ornamental strain of Xf have been detected in insects processed by real time PCR. These initial observations provide critical information to vineyard managers for timely applications of insecticides prior to insect feeding and vectoring to susceptible grapevines.
• Publication Date: Nov 2006
• Journal: 2006 Pierce's Disease Research Symposium