Green Flatid Planthopper, Geisha distinctissima(Hemiptera: Flatidae), Larvae Damage and Distribution on Blackberry Primocanes.

Abstract

Geisha distinctissima(Hemiptera: Flatidae)(Walker)is a polyphagous sap-sucking pest that infests fruit trees and woody plants. This study investigated the severe wilting symptoms caused by G. distinctissima infestations in blackberry primocanes. We evaluated the distribution patterns of G. distinctissima larvae on primocanes from June to July 2023 using Bayesian models. The results indicated that larvae aggregated on some primocanes, and 88% of the larvae were distributed in the apical 30cm of the primocane stem, suggesting an aggregated distribution. We then examined the effects of the symptoms on primocane length and the number of lateral branches. No significant effect was observed on primocane length; however, the number of lateral branches increased significantly owing to the damage. These findings suggest that larvae aggregate on the apical part of primocanes and that their feeding may cause serious damage and compensatory growth of the host plants.