The search for a vector of strawberry lethal yellows (SLY) in New Zealand

Abstract

Strawberry lethal yellows (SLY) is a phytoplasma disease that affects strawberry plants in New Zealand and Australia Although it has been established that this phytoplasma (Candidatus Phytoplasma australiense) is responsible for causing diseases in a number of other plant hosts an insect responsible for its spread still remains to be determined To identify potential insect vectors yellow sticky traps were established at two properties in the Bay of Plenty from planting (early October 2001) until harvest (May 2002) Leafhoppers caught in the traps until March 2002 and by sweepnetting the surrounding habitats in February were identified and tested for the presence of phytoplasma using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Arawa variegata and Recilia hospes (both Cicadellidae) were the commonest leafhoppers trapped Phytoplasma was detected in first and second generation A variegata in October and February respectively and in second generation R hospes in February The implications of this work for future SLY studies is discussed