Hyalesthes obsoletus, the vector of bois noir: distribution and biology | Hyalesthes obsoletus, vecteur du bois noir de la vigne: répartition et biologie
2010
Kehrli, P. | Schaerer, S. | Delabays, N., Station de recherche Agroscope Changins-Waedenswil ACW, Nyon (Switzerland) | Kessler, S.
Since the appearance of the quarantine disease flavescence dorée, Swiss winegrowers' general awareness for the bois noir disease has considerably increased. Both grapevine yellows diseases elicit identical symptoms and are transmitted by insects. Hyalesthes obsoletus Signoret (Hemiptera, Cixiidae) is assumed to be the principal vector of bois noir in Europe. Its nymphs normally develop on the roots of field bindweed or stinging nettle. Grapevine appears to be only an erroneous food source for H. obsoletus adults. In Switzerland, the epidemiology of bois noir disease is at present poorly understood and the interaction between the phytoplasma, the insect vector, the original host plants and grapevines is unknown. In a first step, we studied the distribution and biology of the vector. A national survey revealed that H. obsoletus is present in most viticultural areas of Switzerland, mainly on stinging nettle. Adult planthoppers were captured from June to September 2008 and they were most abundant in July. The vector is quite mobile and capable of flying over several dozen meters. In conclusion, H. obsoletus and U. dioica seem to play central roles in the epidemiology of bois noir in Swiss vineyards.
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