Tacking the vector of Xylella fastidiosa: geo-statistical analysis of long-term field observations on host plants influencing the distribution of Phylaenus spumarius nymphs

The meadow froghopper, Philaenus spumarius L., is endemic in Italy and was not considered a harmful species until 2014, when the olive quick decline syndrome (OQDS) showed up in Apulia (southern Italy). It was immediately suspected and then verified as the main vector of Xylella fastidiosa, the bacterium responsible for the disease. Currently, EU Directives consider the fight against P. spumarius compulsory in member states and recommend Integrated Pest Management (IPM), both in uncultivated and cultivated infested areas, to minimise the environmental impact of chemical pesticides. This should be based on an improved knowledge of the vector with its seasonal trends and feeding habits linked to specific herbaceous species. In this context, our field study was aimed to improve the understanding of the vector nutritional behaviour, especially at its critical nymph stage, by monitoring its presence on different herbaceous target species, using its typical feeding foams as key indicator. The study area was in Lazio region (central Italy), dedicated to olive growing and still unaffected by the X. fastidiosa plague. Over two years, during the nymph development period, field data have been acquired over the test area and then analysed by coupling statistical (ANOVA), geographical information system (GIS) and geo-referenced field sampling approaches. Results highlighted that P. spumarius exhibits significant preferences for specific herbaceous plants, especially at its early development stages, detectable by tenuous spittle. This indicates female oviposition activity, which seems also not influenced by olive tree proximity. Furthermore, the non-host plant species identified here could be suitable for creating green barriers for limiting the vector diffusion to contiguous areas where sensible plantations are growing. In the final section, applied implications arising from the present findings for P. spumarius population management are discussed.