Innovative control of psyllid vectors of European fruit tree phytoplasmas

Abstract

‘Candidatus Phytopalsma mali’ directly manipulates plant physiology and indirectly vector behaviour by attracting its vector Cacopsylla picta to infected plants and thus increasing its spread within the host plant population. In recent years constructing traps with attractive components like β-caryophyllene for the capture of psyllids could greatly reduce the efforts necessary for insect identification. Furthermore, through this monitoring the amount of chemical insecticides can be reduced by detecting the adequate date for spraying. Because the infochemical produced by infected plants is attractive to both sexes of psyllids, it could also be possible to develop mass trapping systems for a sustainable control of these insects. When identified, attractive compounds could be used in traps as lures for monitoring and mass trapping purposes and combined with repellent compounds these chemicals can be used in complex push-and-pull strategies.