How much do we know about the American grapevine leafhopper (Scaphoideus titanus Ball, 1932)?

Abstract

The American grapevine leafhopper (Scaphoideus titanus Ball, 1932) is one of the most important vectors of the grapevine disease Flavescence dorée. The importance of this problem is indicated by the fact of a large number of legal regulations to put both vectors and diseases under control. Farmers are obliged to implement measures that are legally enacted to prevent the epidemic spread of the disease. The first stages of the vector larvae are very small, and it is difficult to detect them early and determine a deadline for insecticide application. In order to react in a timely manner, it is necessary to monitor the appearance of pests, because their development depends mostly on weather conditions. In order to control the American grapevine leafhopper chemical protection is generally applied. It is very important to avoid other host plants in the vineyard. It is also necessary to include more training in the vineyards for farmers and introduce them to the biology of vectors.

Keywords

• american grapevine leafhopper
• alternative hosts
• grapevine
• legislation