First Detailed Record of Jikradia olitoria (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in the Swiss Southern Alps and Evaluation of Its Current Potential as a Vector of 16SrV ‐Phytoplasmas
TL;DR
The first detailed record of J. olitoria olitoria in Switzerland is reported, particularly in the Swiss southern Alps, to confirm its widespread presence in the southern Alps, both inside vineyards as well as in the nearby forest edge compartment.
Abstract
Jikradia olitoria Say is a Nearctic leafhopper that was recently reported in several European countries. Given its role as the vector of phytoplasmas associated with Grapevine Yellows diseases (GYD) in its native range, its presence in European vineyard agroecosystems could represent an important phytosanitary risk. In Europe, the quarantine GYD Flavescence dorée (FD) is widespread and causing important economic losses. Its main vector, Scaphoideus titanus Ball, was also introduced from North America. Therefore, investigating the potential role of such new insect species is of crucial importance. In this study, we report the first detailed record of J. olitoria in Switzerland, particularly in the Swiss southern Alps. Systematic monitoring conducted over two consecutive years (i.e., 2023 and 2024) using chromotropic traps in seven sites allowed to confirm its widespread presence in the southern Alps, both inside vineyards as well as in the nearby forest edge compartment. Moreover, a subset of the collected specimens was analysed to test potential infection by phytoplasmas associated with FD. No phytoplasma infections have been detected so far. The surveillance and the early detection of new potential vectors remain, however, crucial to mitigate new potential phytosanitary threats for European viticulture.