Diversity and distribution of leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in south Mississippi and their Xylella (Xanthomonadales: Xanthomonadaceae) vectoring potential

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Presenting Author(s)

Christopher Werle, BCE

USDA, ARS Southern Horticultural Research Unit
Poplarville, Mississippi

Co-Author(s)

EB

Ebrahiem Babiker

USDA-ARS
Poplarville, Mississippi
ES

Eric Stafne

Mississippi State University
Poplarville, Mississippi
JA

John J. Adamczyk, Jr.

USDA, ARS, Southern Horticultural Res. Unit, Poplarville, MS
Poplarville, Mississippi

Pierce’s disease (Xylella fastidiosa Wells) is an economically-important problem for grape growers, and vector management remains an important component of the IPM strategy. Leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) are primary vectors of Pierce's Disease, but information on their population diversity and vectoring potential remain underreported in Mississippi. Using sticky traps placed among five cultivars (Alachua, Carlos, Nesbit, Noble and Southern Home) of muscadine grape (V. rotundifolia Michx.) in two vineyards in southern Mississippi, over 30 species of leafhoppers were identified over two years. The predominant species from the first year was Homalodisca vitripennis, but in the second year the invasive Sophonia orientalis was most abundant. Using qPCR techniques, we assessed X. fastidiosa infection rates over time for muscadine tissues as well as for select leafhopper species to determine vectoring potential. These data will inform vector IPM and horticultural strategies for producers of muscadine grapes as well as other crops.