Journal of Economic Entomology (2017) 110, 1164-1178

Federico Tacoli, Francesco Pavan, Elena Cargnus, Elisabetta Tilatti, Alberto Pozzebon and Pietro Zandigiacomo (2017)
Efficacy and mode of action of kaolin in the control of Empoasca vitis and Zygina rhamni (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in vineyards
Journal of Economic Entomology 110 (3), 1164-1178
Abstract: During 2015, the influence of kaolin applications and bunch-zone leaf removal on the grapevine leafhoppers, Empoasca vitis (Göthe) and Zygina rhamni Ferrari, and their egg parasitoids (Anagrus spp.) was tested in four vineyards of northeastern Italy. The mode of action of kaolin on E. vitis nymphs was also investigated in the laboratory. In the treated plots, kaolin was applied at a rate of 2% w/v on two occasions separated by 5–6 d. In two vineyards, it was applied either on the whole canopy or the bunch zone at the beginning of the E. vitis second generation (preventive criterion), and in the other two vineyards, it was applied to the whole canopy at the peak of the E. vitis third generation (curative criterion). Both the preventive and curative kaolin applications caused a significant decrease in the populations of E. vitis and Z. rhamni nymphs. The effect of the preventive applications was persistent and was associated with reduced E. vitis leaf symptoms. Kaolin did not influence the activity of Anagrus spp. Bunch-zone leaf removal did not affect leafhopper populations. Laboratory experiments showed that inhibition of feeding was the main mode of action through which kaolin affected nymph populations. Based on these outcomes, kaolin could be a valuable alternative to synthetic insecticides in controlling grapevine leafhoppers.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Francesco Pavan, Alberto Pozzebon, Pietro Zandigiacomo, Elena Cargnus

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
control - general

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Hebata vitis	Grapevine (Vitis)	Italy
	Zygina rhamni	Grapevine (Vitis)	Italy