The “code red” for Balkan vineyards: occurrence of Orientus ishidae (Matsumura, 1902) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in Serbia

Abstract

Orientus ishidae (Matsumura, 1902) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), known as the mosaic leafhopper, is an invasive alien species native to the Eastern Palaearctic, but also widespread and well established on the eastern territory of North America. Since its first detection in Europe in 1998, this polyphagous species has expanded its distribution area and rapidly spread through central and western European countries, inhabiting a wide range of broadleaf trees and shrubs (e.g. Gleditsia triacanthos, Salix spp., Corylus spp., Acer spp., Betula spp., Populus spp. and Carpinus spp.), which are usually present in the surrounding of vineyards. Over the last decade, O. ishidae was frequently found within European vineyards and was proven to be able to complete its life cycle on grapevine. Moreover, this leafhopper was shown to be naturally infected with the Flavescence dorée phytoplasma (FDp), a devastating disease which causes significant economic losses in the major vine-producing countries. This study provides data on the occurrence of O. ishidae in Serbia, clearly confirming that it has expanded its distribution range to the Balkan Peninsula which could lead to establishment of new FDp epidemiological cycles inside the local vineyard regions. As a consequence, there could be an increased negative impact on phytosanitary situation with a continual spread of this vector species and FDp epidemic outbreaks in Southeastern Europe.