Philaenus italosignus a potential vector of Xylella fastidiosa: occurrence of the spittlebug on olive trees in Tuscany (Italy).

Abstract

The spittlebug Philaenus spumarius (L.) is considered the main vector of Xylella fastidiosa in Apulia (Italy), however, another species of the same genus is present in Italy: Philaenus italosignus Drosopoulos et Remane. Recently its competence in acquiring the bacterium from infected olives and transmitting it to other plants was verified in the laboratory. The spittlebug seems to be confined to areas where its larval host plant (Asphodelus ramosus L.) is present, though no precise data on its distribution are available. This study confirms the occurrence of P. italosignus in Tuscany, where it was found on A. ramosus (at high population densities) and also on olive trees.