Intruding into a conversation: how behavioral manipulation could support management of Xylella fastidiosa and its insect vectors

Abstract

Behavioral manipulation (BM) is a multimodal control approach based on the interference with the stimuli mediating insect perception and interaction with the surroundings. BM could represent a win–win strategy for the management of vector-borne plant pathogens as the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, since it could reduce the number of vectors alighting on host plants and, consequently, the chances for transmission to occur. In this review, we summarized current knowledge and highlighted gaps in information on (i) how insect vectors of X. fastidiosa in general, and more specifically the meadow spittlebug Philaenus spumarius, locate and accept the host plant; and (ii) how behavioral manipulation techniques could be applied to disrupt the vector–host plant interaction. Finally, we discussed how diverse BM strategies could be combined with other integrated pest management tools to protect olive groves from inoculation with the fastidious bacterium.

The most polyphagous insect herbivore? Host plant associations of the Meadow spittlebug, Philaenus spumarius (L.)

“…The first is xylem sap feeding, a nutritional mode that permits access to a food source that is similar across a wide range of host plants and not chemically defended (refs. in [ 214 , 241 ]). Xylem feeding apparently permits P .…”

“…Potential counter measures include: 1) local elimination or population reduction of P . spumarius by management of agriculturally adjacent host plants [ 2 , 106 , 212 , 237 ], 2) reduction or elimination of plant sources of Xylella fastidiosa infection [ 21 ], and 3) reduction of target plant susceptibility, through selection of cultivars with genetic resistance or other measures that reduce plant vulnerability to transmission and/or infection [ 2 , 21 , 241 , 242 ]. In turn, P .…”

A Study of the Toxic Effect of Plant Extracts against Philaenus spumarius (Hemiptera: Aphrophoridae)

“…To overcome this problem, mulching could be a solution, just as the vibration technique can interfere with the behavior of spittlebugs. The latter, in fact, can disturb mating, oviposition, and feeding [28]. In any case, this technique is still the object of research, and practical applications are not yet available to farmers.…”

“…By means of vibrations, the spittlebug could also communicate with its peers to perceive the environment and detect natural enemies. By studying more deeply the role of vibrations in host search, we could potentially repel spittlebugs from olive trees by reducing interactions with the plant and thus limit the spread of X. fastidiosa [28]. However, these strategies alone are not capable of controlling spittlebugs but must be combined with other integrated management tools, such as adequate cultivation practices and the use of biopesticides.…”

Xylella fastidiosa: A Glimpse of the Portuguese Situation

“…By manipulating these stimuli, it is possible to influence insect behaviors, such as mating, permanence on hosts, oviposition, and feeding. BM plays a crucial role in short-range communication and host acceptance by insects, making it a valuable strategy for controlling pests [119]. In French Polynesia, Hoddle et al tested the release of natural enemies of insect vectors, namely, Gonatocerus sp.…”