A New Vector of Xylella fastidiosa: The Role of Mesoptyelus impictifrons as a Vector in Israel

Maor Tomer, Liat Gidron-Heinemann, Elad Chiel, Rakefet Sharon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

In recent years, the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa has been spreading in almond orchards (causing almond leaf scorch) and in grapevines (causing Pierce's disease) in northern Israel. Sucking insects specialized for xylem sap-feeding transmit this plant pathogen, but the identity of the vector(s) in Israel has not been determined. Hence, we sought to determine the main potential vector(s) of X. fastidiosa in Israel. In our surveys in northern Israel, we collected and identified four species of spittlebugs: Neophilaenus campestris, Philaenus arslani, Cercopis intermedia, and Mesoptyelus impictifrons. The first two species were found in very low numbers. C. intermedia was found only in spring and did not transmit X. fastidiosa in controlled experiments. M. impictifrons was the most abundant and widely distributed species in our survey and was found in and around infected vineyards in northern Israel. In controlled experiments, we found that 35 to 39% of M. impictifrons adults acquire X. fastidiosa from infected vines and almonds and subsequently transmit it to vines and almonds. Taken together, this study suggests that M. impictifrons is an important new vector of X. fastidiosa in almond orchards and vineyards in northern Israel. Further studies are needed on M. impictifrons' biology, ecology, and role as a vector of X. fastidiosa.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2546-2550
Number of pages5
JournalPhytopathology
Volume114
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 The American Phytopathological Society.

Keywords

  • Mesoptyelus impictifrons
  • Pierce's disease
  • Xylella fastidiosa
  • almond leaf scorch
  • spittlebug
  • vector transmission
  • vector-borne disease

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Agronomy and Crop Science
  • Plant Science

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