Identifying Leafhopper Targets for Controlling Aster Yellows in Carrots and Celery

Area of Science:

• Plant pathology
• Entomology
• Agricultural science

Background:

• Aster yellows phytoplasma (Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris) is a significant plant pathogen affecting various crops.
• Effective management relies on understanding its vectors, primarily leafhoppers.
• Macrosteles quadrilineatus is the known primary vector in the American Midwest.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify important aster yellows vectors in Michigan's celery and carrot farms.
• To assess the role of diverse leafhopper communities in phytoplasma transmission.
• To inform targeted pest management strategies for vegetable farmers.

Main Methods:

• Leafhopper communities were surveyed in Michigan commercial celery and carrot fields (2018-2019).
• Leafhoppers were collected from crop interiors and field edges.
• Species identification used DNA barcoding, and infection status was determined by real-time PCR.

Main Results:

• Over 5000 leafhoppers were collected; Macrosteles quadrilineatus (57%) and Empoasca fabae (23%) were most abundant.
• Macrosteles quadrilineatus was confirmed as the most prevalent vector in Michigan celery and carrot crops.
• Empoasca fabae was identified as a potential, secondary vector for aster yellows phytoplasma.

Conclusions:

• Macrosteles quadrilineatus remains the primary target for aster yellows control in Michigan vegetable production.
• Empoasca fabae warrants further investigation as a potential contributor to phytoplasma spread.
• Understanding vector dynamics is crucial for integrated pest management of plant pathogens.