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Dryad

Trap counts and natural infectivity of blue-green sharphooter

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Jun 27, 2024 version files 797.52 KB

Abstract

Effective disease management hinges on an accurate understanding of the ecological and epidemiological underpinnings of the pathosystem. New epidemics may prompt consideration of whether knowledge gaps or changes to the pathosystem warrant revision of management strategies. Pierce’s disease of grapevines (PD) is highly episodic in coastal Northern California vineyards, with modest incidence in most years punctuated by occasionally severe epidemics. To better understand what was driving a developing epidemic in the region, we revaluated what is known about the ecology and epidemiological role of the dominant vector, the blue-green sharpshooter Graphocephala atropunctata. We monitored vector spatiotemporal dynamics at 32 vineyards over three years, surveyed plant community composition in the adjacent habitat to understand its link to vector recruitment, and quantified patterns of natural infectivity for the pathogen Xylella fastidiosa. Overall, the results were consistent with past studies of G. atropunctata ecology. For example, the scale of dispersal from source habitat and seasonal patterns in activity were generally similar to those documented in prior studies. The results also confirmed the influence of adjacent plant community composition on G. atropunctata activity in vineyards, and the role of riparian habitat and select plant taxa as vector sources. Nonetheless, further consideration of the epidemiological significance of certain features of the pathosystem may be warranted, especially those related to seasonality in X. fastidiosa natural infectivity. A marked increase in infectious G. atropunctata late in the season likely reflects pathogen acquisition from infected grapevines, which may have implications for disease management strategies.