Collection of data and information on biology and control of vectors of Xylella fastidiosa

Abstract

The scope of this project was the collection of data and information on biology, phenology and control of vectors and potential vectors of Xylella fastidiosa (referred to, from now on, as Xf vectors). Systematic literature searches covering the different topics were conducted on authoritative databases indexing peer‐reviewed scientific publications as well as on grey literature repositories. An extraction table on the ecology and phenology of Xf vectors was generated, together with a draft protocol for field data collection targeted to Philaenus spumarius. Efficacy tables on different control methods were also produced and crosschecked with data on plant protection products currently applied in the EU with effect on Xf vectors, producing a good agricultural practices table. With the help of questionnaires, we inventoried: i) the ongoing integrated pest management programmes on stone fruits, citrus, grapevine and olive crops in the Mediterranean Member States (MedMSs), and the monitoring activity on Xylella vectors currently conducted in all the EU MSs. Finally, we collected new experimental data on phenology and ecology of P. spumarius and other spittlebug species for three consecutive years (2016‐2018). The data have been collected via field surveys in olive orchards, vineyards and insect rearing at the macrocosm (field), mesocosm (screenhouse) and microcosm (small rearing cage) level. All observations in olive groves were conducted in parallel in the Apulia and Liguria regions, while those in vineyard were carried out in the Piedmont region (Italy). The results are provided in the body of the report as metanalysis and in Excel tables as supporting material and concern i) phenology, host‐plant associations and population dynamics of nymphs and adults of P. spumarius and other spittlebugs under different environmental conditions, ii) fecundity and reproductive biology from microcosms and field‐collected females. Field and mesocosm data are supported by agronomic and meteorological data.

Impact ofXylella fastidiosasubspeciespaucain European olives

“…Further efforts to identify additional effective measures, as done in ref. 18, are called for. However, our results also indicate that introductions into islands of Greece might be managed by early detection, containment, and eradication.…”

“…pauca, multiplex, and fastidiosa (16). Since there is no practical cure for Xf under field conditions (17,18), control strategies applied in the EU focus on eradication or containment of the disease by host removal, vector control, and restrictions on the production and movement of plant materials for planting. Research efforts are currently targeting the identification of resistance traits and biological control (19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27).…”

Electrophysiological and behavioural response of Philaenus spumarius to essential oils and aromatic plants

“…The control of generalist species such as P. spumarius must rely on an integrated approach. In this context, the contribution of EOs or companion plants can be significant only if associated to the use of resistant varieties and to the application of agronomic measures such as the periodic mowing of herbaceous plants under canopy 45 . It is also worth noting that the possible reduction of land surface dedicated to olive trees, for planting companion RI varying from −100 (total attractiveness) to +100 (total repellency), with 0 meaning no effect.…”

Populations and Host/Non-Host Plants of Spittlebugs Nymphs in Olive Orchards from Northeastern Portugal

“…In 2013, thousands of hectares of olive orchards were devastated and X. fastidiosa was identified [ 2 ]. Subsequently, it has been detected in several plants and different European countries, such as France, Spain, and Portugal [ 3 ].…”

“…Nymphs of both species hatch in the early spring, crawl to a succulent part of the plant and feed on the sap, developing five nymphal stages during 4 to 8 weeks until molting into adults [ 13 , 14 ]. The period for nymph development varies according to environmental conditions of locations, such as altitude or temperature [ 3 , 9 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. Generally, Aphrophoridae nymphs feed on herbaceous plants occurring within cultivated crops and non-crop habitats, particularly in meadows [ 16 ].…”