Attachment of the potato leafhopper to soybean plant surfaces as affected by morphology of the pretarsus

The pulvilli of the potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae (Harris), seem to provide a suitable mechanism for the attachment of the insect to smooth leaf surfaces. Based on morphological structure of the pretarsal and direct observations, we propose that primary orientation of the leafhoppers on smooth surfaces is achieved through a series of motions involving mainly the pulvilli. The highly irregular surface produced by the trichomes of pubescent soybean cultivars impedes normal attachment for feeding or oviposition. This impediment explains in part the near immunity of pubescent soybean and the converse susceptibility of glabrous soybean plants to the potato leafhopper.

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Résumé Les pulvilli d'Empoasca fabae paraissent fournir un mécanisme convenable pour la fixation des insectes aux surfaces lisses des feuilles.En nous basant sur la structure morphologique des prétarses et sur des observations directes, nous suggérons que l'orientation primaire sur des surfaces lisses est réalisée à partir de mouvements concernant surtout les pulvilli.La surface des cultivars pubescents de soja, rendue très accidentée par la présence des trichomes, empêche une fixation normale permettant l'alimentation et la ponte.Cet obstacle explique en partie la quasi immunité des sojas pubescents et, à l'inverse, la sensibilité des sojas glabres aux attaques d'E. fabae.

     

Influence of grapevine cultivars on the leafhopper <Emphasis Type="Italic">Empoasca vitis</Emphasis> and its egg parasitoids

The leafhopper Empoasca vitis (Göthe) (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) can cause economic damage in European vineyards. Egg parasitoids, in particular Anagrus atomus (Linnaeus) (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae), are the most important natural enemies of the leafhopper. In four different years, leaves of ten grapevine cultivars, which were grown in a vineyard of north-eastern Italy, were collected at the end of the leafhopper 2nd generation to determine the total number of E. vitis eggs per leaf and the percentage of the E. vitis eggs parasitized. These data were analysed for correlation with leaf density and foliar pubescence. The E. vitis eggs per leaf and the percentage of eggs parasitized by Anagrus spp. were significantly influenced by the cultivar. The number of E. vitis eggs per leaf was positively correlated to leaf density, but it was not influenced by leaf hair density. The parasitization rate by Anagrus spp. was affected by foliar pubescence, especially by erect hairs on the veins. These findings could be used for integrated pest management. In particular, (1) the more susceptible cultivars can be used as early indicators of leafhopper infestation, (2) agronomic practices, that reduce leaf density, could decrease the E. vitis population level and (3) clones with glabrous leaves would favour egg parasitoid activity.     

Suitability of common weed species as host plants for the potato leafhopper,Empoasca fabae

The suitability of 13 weed species as host plants for the potato leafhopper,Empoasca fabae (Harris) (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) was compared to alfalfa,Medicago sativa L., and broad bean,Vicia faba L., in laboratory and greenhouse tests. Nymphs developed and adults reproduced on five of the weeds: smartweed (Polygonum pensylvanicum L.), pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.), shepherdspurse (Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medic.), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Weber), and carpetweed (Mollugo verticillata L.). Adults survived and oviposited on all tested weeds, suggesting that nymph survival was the limiting factor in host suitability. Yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.), crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop.), and foxtail (Setaria faberi Herrm.) were least suitable for adult and nymph survival. Large nymphs (instar III–IV) were able to complete development on weed species that did not support small nymph (instar I–II) development to adulthood. Densities of nymphs on weeds from alfalfa fields as well as the laboratory studies suggested that the weed species are less suitable as hosts and thus weeds probably do not affect population increases of potato leafhopper within weedy alfalfa fields by serving as hosts. Weeds may however, interact with the crop to alter leafhopper colonization, dispersal, and/or reproduction. In addition, since some broadleaf weeds are suitable hosts, the leafhopper may have a secondary beneficial role for biological weed control. These interactions should be considered when evaluating pest management practices.

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Eignung häufiger Unkrautarten als Wirte vonEmpoasca fabae

Zusammenfassung Der Wirtskreis derEmpoasca fabae (Harris) (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) wurde im Labor und im Freiland untersucht. Dreizehn Unkrautarten, wie auch Luzerne (Medicago sativa L.) undVicia faba L., wurden im Laborversuchen geprüft. Die Entwicklung der Nymphen und die Eiablage setzten auf fünf Unkrautarten fort: aufPolygonum pensylvanicum L.,Amaranthus retroflexus L.,Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medic.,Taraxacum officinale Weber undMollugo verticillata L. Die Eiablage und das Weiterleben der Imagines geht auf allen untersuchten Unkräutern weiter. Dies weist darauf hin, dass die Lebensdauer der Nymphen die Eignung der Wirte begrenzt. Das Weiterleben der Imagines und der Nymphen waren aufCyperus esculentus L.,Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. undSetaria faberi Herrm. am stärksten verkürzt. Die Altnymphentwicklung (3. und 4. Stadien) bis zur Imago war auf Unkräutern gewährleistet, dagegen erfolgte die Jungnymphentwicklung (1. und 2. Stadien) bis zur Imago nicht. Populationsproben von Luzerne im Freiland, wie auch die Ergebnisse der Laboruntersuchungen, zeigten, dass Unkräuter nicht im Wirtskreis der Nymphen vonE. fabae sind und dass Unkräuter in Luzernefeldern keinen Einfluss auf die Populationszunahme in solcher Feldern haben. Unkräuter in Luzerne dürften aber die Kolonisierung, Verteilung der Population im Feld wie auch das Vermehrungspotential vonE. fabae verändern. Weil einige Unkräuter Wirte der Imago vonE. fabae sind, können sie als Ausweichpflanzen dienen, wenn die Luzerne, z.BB. nach dem Schnitt, für das Ueberleben der Zikaden ungeeignet ist.

     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the green leafhopper Empoasca vitis Goethe (Homoptera)

Eight dinucleotide microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized within the green leafhopper Empoasca vitis (Goethe) using an enrichment cloning procedure. Primers were tested on 171 individuals collected in the southwest of France from the vine plants. The identified loci were polymorphic, with allelic diversity ranging from two to 18 alleles per locus. Observed heterozygosities were from 0.021 to 0.760. These microsatellite markers should prove to be a useful tool for estimating the population genetic structure, host-plant specialization and migration capacity of this insect.     

Spatial and temporal patterns of abundance of the potato leafhopper among red maples

A study was conducted in the 2001 growing season to examine the relative abundance, dispersion and distribution of the potato leafhopper (Empoasca fabae) among trees of 24 red maple (Acer rubrum) clonal selections. Yellow sticky traps hung from the trees were used to estimate the relative number of aerial potato leafhoppers among trees, starting on 1 May 2001 and stopping on 4 September 2001. More insects were collected from the east side of the plot than from the other sides in May, but no differences were significant late in the season. Few leafhoppers were collected during May, but the number of leafhoppers collected on traps rapidly increased and peaked during June. Afterwards, populations decreased and just a few individuals were trapped late in the season. Overall, significantly more leafhoppers were caught on traps hanging from trees of clone 56026 and 55410 than on trees of the other clones. Dispersion of the potato leafhopper changed from being aggregated in May, to being random in August, and also differed among the different clones. Populations tended to aggregate with increases in population numbers. Positive significant autocorrelations were detected at short distances in May, suggesting an aggregated spatial pattern early in the season. Yet, different autocorrelation patterns were detected within each block later in the season. Our results indicate that management practices could be developed to minimise pesticide use by targeting smaller areas with the highest populations at the right time of the season.     

Mechanical and salivary aspects of potato leafhopper probing in alfalfa stems

Studies were conducted to separate the salivary and mechanical aspects of probing damage by the potato leafhopper,Empoasca fabae (Harris) (Homoptera: Cicadellidae), to stem vascular tissue of alfalfa,Medicago sativa L. Implantation of salivary gland tissue or fed-upon artificial diet under the stem epidermis yielded no evidence, three days later, of hopperburn-associated, anatomical changes. Mechanical puncturing of stems with implements approximating the size and shape of leafhopper stylets caused some anatomical changes, three days later, similar to those underlying hopperburn, i.e. tracks of necrosis, chlorosis, cell enlargement, and cell division. These changes, however, were much less severe than those observed in tissues three days after potato leafhopper probing. In contrast, puncturing through salivary gland or Malpighian tubule tissues produced extreme hyperplasia and other symptoms of wounding in cells near the puncture. This was similar to but more severe than effects from leafhopper probing, and was probably caused by leafhopper structural tissues or larger amounts of saliva being conveyed into the plant than normally occurs during leafhopper probing. We conclude that both salivation and mechanical wounding by leafhopper stylets are probably necessary to cause hopperburn-associated anatomical changes to vascular tissue in stems of alfalfa. This conclusion supports our hypothesis that hopperburn is a saliva-enhanced wound response.     

假眼小绿叶蝉卵的寄生蜂种类及种群动态

通过田间采梢、室内镜下查卵和饲养观察,初步获得假眼小绿叶蝉Empoasca vitis Gthe卵寄生蜂2种,分别隶属于三棒缨小蜂属Stethynium sp.和裂骨缨小蜂属Schizophragma sp.,其中三棒缨小蜂属Stethyniumsp.是优势种。2种缨小蜂的寄生动态调查结果显示,除8月和12月寄生率较低外,其它月份的自然寄生率都在30%以上,特别是10~11月寄生率最高达65%,对小绿叶蝉的虫口数量具有重要控制作用,值得进一步研究和保护利用。     

Grapevine leaf gas exchange, plant growth, yield, fruit quality and carbohydrate reserves influenced by the grape leafhopper,Empoasca vitis

The impact of the grape leafhopper,Empoasca vitis, on leaf gas exchange, plant growth, yield, fruit quality and carbohydrate reserves of the grapevines,Vitis vinifera L., was studied. Gas exchange was measured on the discolored (red) and the green parts of infested main leaves and on leaves from uninfested vines. Photosynthesis and mesophyll conductance were severely reduced on main leaves showing leafhopper feeding symptoms. The stomatal conductance of the red leaf section of infested main leaves was lower than on undamaged control leaves. Additionally, the red leaf section of infested main leaves showed lower transpiration rates when compared to the green parts of the same leaves and to undamaged control leaves. Gas exchange processes of lateral leaves were not affected by leafhopper feeding. Leafhopperload on main leaves was correlated to visual damage symptoms. At 71.8 leafhopper-days per leaf up to 40% of the main leaf area of the infested plants was discolored from the borders towards the center. Lateral leaves showed no feeding symptoms. Shoot diameter, pruning weight and carbohydrate reserves in the wood were not affected by leafhoppers. Lateral leaf area growth was significantly stimulated on plants infested by leafhoppers. No decrease in yield and fruit quality with leafhopper-loads up to 71.8 leafhopper-days per leaf were observed.     

The resistance of genotypes of two species of Phaseolus beans to the leafhopper Empoasca kraemeri

To determine whether two species of Phaseolus beans differ in their suitability for reproduction of the leafhopper Empoasca kraemeri, resistant and susceptible genotypes of the two species were exposed to egg laying leafhoppers and the resultant numbers of nymphs on each were compared. Resistant genotypes of P. acutifolius bore fewer nymphs than any genotype of P. vulgaris. Even susceptible P. acutifolius genotypes bore no more nymphs/leaf than resistant P. vulgaris genotypes though they did bear more nymphs/cm² of leaf area. These results indicate that P. acutifolius may be a useful donor of oviposition non-preference, increased egg mortality, or possibly nymphal non-preference, and confirm that counts of nymphs provide a useful screening technique in the selection of parental genotypes for an improvement programme.     

Variation in tolerance and resistance to the leafhopper Empoasca fabae (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) among potato cultivars: implications for action thresholds

The potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae (Harris) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), is an emerging pest of potato and insecticide applications to control this insect have increased in recent years. Based on field observations of leafhopper-crop dynamics, however, currently recommended action thresholds seem to be overly conservative. As a result, we initiated two experiments designed to quantify the impact of leafhoppers on potato yield, and determine how the magnitude of this effect changes among cultivars. In experiment 1, leafhoppers were manipulated (control versus insecticide-treated plots) on 17 potato varieties. In experiment 2, three cultivars (Superior, Atlantic, and Snowden) were planted representing early-, mid-, and late-season maturing lines, and six insecticide spray regimes were imposed (early-, late-, and full-season applications at high and low rates). In both experiments, leafhopper abundance, plant damage, and potato yield were measured. Overall, leafhoppers reduced yield in control plots by 15.7% relative to insecticide-treated plots. Leafhopper impact, however, varied among cultivars; a significant effect of leafhoppers on yield was detected in 6, 12, and 59% of cultivars tested in each of three trials. Of the 44 cases in which leafhoppers exceeded action thresholds, yield loss was only documented in 13 cases. Data from these experiments provide evidence that such variable effects ofleafhoppers on yield are explained by cultivar-specific resistance and tolerance traits. Our results suggest that potato growers can accept higher leafhopper densities than current thresholds recommend, particularly when cultivating resistant and/or tolerant varieties.     

Estimating the potato leafhopper Empoasca fabae (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) overwintering range and spring premigrant development by using geographic information system

The potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae (Harris), is a circular migratory pest of many crops in the United States that overwinters in the southern states. Northward migrant population arrival to the northern states occurs earlier in the north central states compared with northeastern states. Migrant leafhopper arrival to the north varies from year to year depending on factors influencing the development of spring migrants in the overwintering areas and on timing of weather systems capable of transporting the migrants northward. An estimate of the potato leafhopper minimum temperature survival, the geographic limits of the potato leafhopper overwintering range, leafhopper spring development in the overwintering areas, and the identification of the spring migration initiation northwards can help to predict the leafhopper arrival time in the northern states. In the current study, geographic information system (GIS) was used to estimate the potato leafhopper minimum temperature survival and premigrant development. The minimum winter temperature was estimated by overlaying minimum temperature isolines with potato leafhopper collection data taken during the winter, The geographic limits of the overwintering range were estimated using the minimum temperature survival to create a condition-based model by using ArcMap-GIS 8.2. The estimated overwintering range was larger and covered areas further north than previously estimated and included Missouri, Kansas, Kentucky, Virginia, and Maryland. The use of degree-day accumulation to estimate days of first adult emergence in the overwintering areas resulted in earliest adult emergence in the south central region. First adult emergence in south central and southeastern areas occurred before the detection of potato leafhoppers in the north central United States. These data suggested that the difference in population arrival between the north central states and the northeastern states was more dependent on factors affecting the migration and weather conditions encountered along the migration pathway.     

茶小绿叶蝉在不同茶树品种上的生长发育,生殖及空间分布

研究表明茶小绿叶蝉(Empoasca flavescens Fabricius)在云南大叶茶无性系良种云抗十号、云抗十四号、长叶白毫、矮丰上的生长发育历期、成活率、田间自然种群虫口数量、卵数量、卵分布等方面,皆有明显差异;说明这些品种对茶小绿叶蝉的抗性有差异,上述品种中矮丰对茶小绿叶蝉的抗性最强,云抗十号的抗性较差。在生产实践中对不同品种间存在的抗性差异应加以充分合理的利用。茶小绿叶蝉的空间分布型为随机分布型;在空间分布型方面,各品种间无明显差异。     

Volatiles from non‐host aromatic plants repel tea green leafhopper Empoasca vitis

The tea green leafhopper, Empoasca vitis Göthe (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), is a serious pest of tea crops in China. The effectiveness of five aromatic non‐host plants, Corymbia citriodora (Hook.) (Myrtaceae), Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiaceae), Lavandula pinnata L. (Lamiaceae), Ruta graveolens L. (Rutaceae), and Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Lamiaceae), was investigated to determine their ability to suppress E. vitis on tea plants. Volatile organic compounds derived from L. pinnata, R. officinalis, and C. citriodora were found to repel leafhoppers and to mask the host's odors. Intercropping L. pinnata and C. citriodora with tea plants significantly reduced the E. vitis population levels in the tea plantation associated with higher population densities of generalist predators. The volatile compounds from the five non‐host plants were collected by headspace absorption under field conditions, and the 10 major components were identified. Qualitative and quantitative differences were found among the five odor profiles. Moreover, the emission dynamics of non‐host volatiles were monitored. Non‐host volatile emissions showed two peak periods, one in the spring and one in the autumn period. These peaks were almost consistent with the population dynamics of E. vitis. Our findings suggested that this newer approach to ecologically based, sustainable pest management implemented via intercropping with non‐host aromatic plants such as L. pinnata and C. citriodora offers a promising alternative to chemical control of the leafhopper population.     

Host suitability and gas exchange response of grapevines to potato leafhopper (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)

Although potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae (Harris) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), is highly polyphagous, classic host studies do not recognize grapevines (Vitis spp.), as suitable hosts. Recently, injury has been reported and reproduction documented within grape vineyards, suggesting a host expansion for the leafhopper. To document this apparent expansion in host use, we determined whether grape plants were suitable hosts for potato leafhopper reproduction, measured the consequence of feeding injury on gas exchange rates of grape leaves, and compared the susceptibility to feeding injury among cultivars. We found that potato leafhopper adults survived equally well on grape (Vitis vinifera L.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), and fava bean (Vicia faba L.). The total number of offspring was greater on fava bean but did not differ between alfalfa and grape. Injury to grapevines was assessed by measuring gas exchange responses of leaves in field cages and in greenhouse tests. We found marginally significant declines in photosynthesis and transpiration rates in the field (9.6 and 13.2%, respectively), and much stronger effects in greenhouse tests (ranging between 22 and 52%). Our results verify that Vitis is a suitable host, and that potato leafhopper is capable of injuring its gas exchange physiology. We discuss possible explanations for the host expansion, and its potential to damage commercial grapevines.     

Detection and Molecular Characterization of Squash leaf curl virus (SLCV) in Jordan

Squash leaf curl virus (SLCV) was detected for the first time in Jordan using degenerated oligonucleotide primers. Two isolates of the virus, SLCV‐E and SLCV‐R, were detected using specific oligonucleotide primers in symptomatic Cucurbita pepo. SLCV was also found to occur naturally in Malva parviflora, which showed severe leaf curling, yellowing and stunting of the whole plants. The full‐length genomes of Squash leaf curl virus‐Malva (SLCV‐Malva) isolate were amplified using the bacteriophage Φ DNA polymerase enzyme. Nucleotide sequence analysis showed that SLCV‐Malva shared high nucleotide identity (98% and 97%) with SLCV‐EG and SLCV‐E from Egypt and USA, respectively. A survey using dot‐blot hybridization indicated that squash leaf curl disease occurred in all surveyed areas. The highest disease incidence (95%) was recorded in Dir Alla area, whereas disease incidence did not exceed 69% in squash samples collected from North Ghor.     

Alfalfa physiological response to potato leafhopper injury depends on leafhopper and alfalfa developmental stage

We examined the effects of potato leafhopper (Empoasca fabae) developmental stage and alfalfa (Medicago sativa) developmental stage on the physiological response of the plant to injury. We used radioactive carbon dioxide to label the photoassimilate stream and evaluate the phloem health of alfalfa. In one experiment, six first instar, four fourth instar, and three adult leafhoppers were caged by stage on single alfalfa stems for approximately one day. Only fourth instar nymphs significantly reduced the amount of label transported to injured tissues above the source of the labeled assimilate. First instar nymphs had no effect and adults reduced assimilate transport to stem tips, but this trend was not significant possibly because of confounding variables. However, injury by both first instar nymphs and adults resulted in greater concentration of labeled assimilate in portions of the stem below the feeding site. In another experiment, the developmental stage of alfalfa stems was central to the physiological response of alfalfa to leafhopper injury. A 20 h exposure to three adult leafhoppers significantly reduced the amount of label translocated to the tip and crown tissues of early vegetative plants, and to the crown tissue only of late vegetative plants. In reproductive plants, assimilate translocation was not affected by leafhopper injury. In a final experiment, we found no evidence of an effect on the photosynthesis of leaves of similar age and position to those used as source leaves in our translocation studies. Our findings contribute to our understanding of the physiological response of plants to injury by sap-feeding insects, and suggest the need for greater refinement of economic injury levels based on leafhopper and plant developmental stage.     

Autumnal emergence of Anagrus wasps,egg parasitoids of Empoasca vitis,from grapevine leaves and their migration towards brambles

• 1 The Anagrus‘atomus’ parasitoid group (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae), associated with Empoasca vitis (Göthe) (Homoptera: Cicadellidae), overwinters on vegetation surrounding vineyards. The emergence of parasitoid adults from grapevine leaves in autumn was studied in north‐eastern Italy, both in relation to the E. vitis egg‐laying period and to the presence of leafhoppers overwintering as eggs on Rubus bushes.
• 2 Autumnal peaks of Anagrus captured using yellow sticky traps were observed first on grapevines and then on brambles. Parasitoid captures in vineyards were observed for more than 1 month after the last first‐instar nymphs of the grape leafhoppers were noticed. Two species belonging to the A. ‘atomus’ group, Anagrus atomus and Anagrus ustulatus, were captured both on grapevines and brambles.
• 3 Parasitoids of the A.‘atomus’ group can emerge from third‐generation grape leafhopper eggs in accordance with two different development time patterns (i.e. normal or delayed). Individuals with delayed emergence required up to 2.2‐fold more time to develop from an egg to adult than individuals with normal emergence. This meant that some parasitoid adults emerged in autumn from eggs of grape leafhopper laid in August.
• 4 A delayed emergence as a result of a slower development ensures that the A.‘atomus’ parasitoid group is synchronized with the egg‐laying of leafhoppers that overwinter as eggs on Rubus spp.
• 5 Consequently, leafhoppers overwintering as eggs on brambles play a key role in the ecology of the relationship between grape leafhoppers and the A.‘atomus’ parasitoid group.

     

茶小绿叶蝉成虫唾液细菌蛋白的鉴定

[目的]通过鉴定茶小绿叶蝉Empoasca flavescens成虫水状唾液蛋白中的细菌蛋白,解析叶蝉唾液的细菌种类.[方法]利用自制的收集装置和Parafilm膜夹营养液法对叶蝉成虫唾液进行收集,经超滤浓缩和电泳分离后,使用膜辅助样品制备技术法(filter-aided sample preparation,FASP...     

Attractiveness of host volatiles combined with background visual cues to the tea leafhopper,Empoasca vitis

The tea green leafhopper, Empoasca vitis (Göthe) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), is a serious pest of tea plants. We examined the behavioral responses of E. vitis adults to odors from the shoots of three host plants in a Y‐tube olfactometer with background visual cues. The host plants were tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze (Theaceae)], peach [Prunus persica (L.) Siebold & Zucc. (Rosaceae)], and grapevine [Vitis vinifera L. (Vitaceae)]. Volatiles from the shoots were analyzed. Both yellow‐green and gold backgrounds enhanced the olfactory responses of E. vitis adults to tea plant odors, and this enhancement was stronger under a high light intensity. On the yellow‐green background, E. vitis adults significantly preferred the odors from shoots of the three host plants compared with clean air. Moreover, E. vitis adults preferred grapevine odor over the tea plant odor. The volatile blends of the three plant species were distinctly different. Peach plant shoots emitted the greatest amount of volatiles, whereas grapevine shoots released the greatest diversity of compounds. These results provide evidence that background visual cues could enhance the response of E. vitis adults to host‐plant volatiles. The leafhoppers can discern different host odors, suggesting the possibility of using peach plant and grapevine odors to monitor and manage this pest in tea plantations.