Introduction and goals

Introduction: Leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus Ball. (Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadellidae) is a new pest in vineyards of Serbia (Magud and Toševski, 2004). It originates from North America and was introduced in Europe at the end of 50’s during last century. In France this leafhopper was registered for the first time in 1958, Italy 1963, Switzerland 1968 and Slovenia 1983. Damage that S. titanus causes on grapevine is negligible, but this leafhopper has great importance as the only known vector of grapevine phytoplasma-Flavescence dorée.

Phytoplasma Flavescence dorée (FD) causes serious disease belonging to grapevine yellows. Epidemic of this disease with severe economic loses in vine production, had been reported in France and Italy. Where allowed to spread uncontrolled, epidemic of Flavescence dorée had catastrophic consequences. Between 1949 and 1954 in Armagnac and Chalosse (France), all Baco 22A grapevines became infected. The disease continues to be of great economic importance in France, particularly for the cultivars Chardonnay and Baco 22A, and is acquiring relevance in northern Italy, where it is causing serious problems to Chardonnay, Pinot blanc and other susceptible cultivars (EPPO- dsqpFD).

According to results of public questionnaire, FD is present in Republic of Serbia over 15 years now, but hadn’t been detected until recently in vineyards of Župa Aleskandrovac and Niš (Duduk et al., 2004; Kuzmanović et al., 2004). Region of Župa Aleskandrovac is specially endangered and actual damage had not been estimated yet. Closeness of Velika Drenova and other surrounding villages, traditionally known centers for production of grapevine planting material, indicates possible spread of vectors and phytoplasma FD throughout whole Serbia. In addition, preliminary survey in Serbia indicated increase in number of diseased vines with other phytoplasmas, among which the most frequent disease is Bois Noir (Legno Nero), caused by Stolbur  phytoplasma (16SrXII-A). 

FD is on EPPO A2 list of quarantine pathogens due to potential threat of dispersal in countries where grapevine yellows are absent. Phytoplasma spreads by vector and infected planting material. The only vector identified to transmit FD is leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus. Dynamic of spontaneous phytoplasma dispersal by vector S. titanus during one year is 5-10 km (EPPO-dsqpFD). Dispersal to distant regions is possible through infected planting material. Infected planting material most often has no symptoms expressed and can carry eggs of vector, closing that way the epidemiological cycle on new locality. 

Vector is monophagous and has one generation per year, hence, can be easily controlled (Caudwell et al., 1987). Most efficient measure in vector control is killing overwintering eggs, hatched larva and imagoes (EPPO-dsqpFD).

Besides control of vector, successful control of FD includes nursery of plant material. There are huge differences in susceptibility between grapevine cultivars, some of which can be totally resistant to disease, or can recover a year after expression of first symptoms (EPPO-dsqp). Desiccation and total devastation of plants is most frequent in cases of total systemic infection.

1) Determination of Scaphoideus titanus status based on standards by ISPM Publication No. 8: Determination of Status in an Area, November 1996, FAO, Rome, 1999.

3) Determination of existing and potential interactions with other cicadas in transmission of Flavescence dorée and other grapevine phytoplasmas.

4) Making a program of efficient control measures against vector, in relation to peculiarities of each region (referring to time of control, method and selection of insecticides).

Intensive campaign during survey is of great significance for education of individual producers and breeders, introducing them with a new pest in vineyards. 

Descoins M. (1995).  Flavescence dorée - the battle in Corbières. Phytoma No. 477, 26-28.

Duduk B., S. Botti, M. Ivanović, B. Krstić, N. Dukić and A. Bertaccini. 2004. Identification of Phytoplasmas Associated with Grapevine Yellows in Serbia. Journal of Phytopathology, 152: 575-579

EPPO-dsqpFD: http://www.eppo.org/QUARANTINE/bacteria/Flavescence_doree/PHYP64_ds.pdf

Kuzmanović S, Martini M, Ferrini F, Ermacora P, Starović M, Tošić M, Osler R.  2004. Stolbur i Flavescence doree fitoplazme prisutne na vinovoj lozi u Srbiji. V Kongres zaštite bilja Zlatibor, 2004. Zbornik rezimea, 138.

Department of Plant Pests, Institute for Plant Protection and Environment Belgrade

Banatska 33, Zemun, tel/fax: 011 2611 762, E-mail: titanus_serbia@hotmail.com