Journal of Economic Entomology (2018) 111, 2531-2535

Cindy R. Preto, Mysore R. Sudarshana and Frank G. Zalom (2018)
Feeding and reproductive hosts of Spissistilus festinus (Say) (Hemiptera: Membracidae) found in Californian vineyards
Journal of Economic Entomology 111 (6), 2531-2535
Abstract: Grapevine red blotch virus (GRBV) currently poses a serious threat to the wine industry. The three-cornered alfalfa hopper (3CAH), Spissistilus festinus (Say) (Hemiptera: Membracidae), was recently shown in a greenhouse study to be a vector of GRBV in grapes. Feeding and reproductive status of 10 weed and 10 cover crop species commonly found in grape vineyards were evaluated in no-choice tests. Species confirmed as reproductive hosts were subsequently evaluated in choice tests to determine S. festinus oviposition preference. Spanish clover, dandelion, birdsfoot trefoil, common groundsel, field bindweed, magnus peas, bell beans, blando brome, purple vetch, black medick, subterranean clover, crimson clover, and woollypod vetch were all found to be reproductive hosts. The plant species that exhibited the greatest nymph emergence in each of the three groups tested for preference were all in the family Fabaceae. Knowledge of plant species present in vineyards that serve as alternative hosts for S. festinus can contribute to developing management strategies to mitigate virus spread.
(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): Mysore R. Sudarshana, Frank G. Zalom

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution
transmission/dispersal of plant diseases

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Spissistilus festinus	Grapevine (Vitis)	U.S.A. (SW)