Evaluation of insecticides for the control of juveniles of Philaenus spumarius L, 2015-17

The meadow spittlebug Philaenus spumarius L. is a vector of the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa to a wide array of ornamental and crop species represents a serious threat to agriculture and the landscape. With the recent emergence of X. fastidiosa in Europe, particularly the strain causing Xylella-epidemics of olive trees in southern Italy, P. spumarius has been found to play a major role in the spread of the pathogen. Control of this highly polyphagous species requires an integrated pest management strategy targeting the nymphal stages and the adults. Nymphs survive on several herbaceous plants, weeds, and groundcover. Control of juvenile of P. spumarius can contribute significantly to reduce adult populations. This can be achieved through mechanical control of the weeds/groundcover; however, this may not be possible or practical to the extent necessary in many instances. Therefore, the efficacy of different insecticides, natural or inert substances (sweet orange essential oil, kaolin, and zeolite), and synthetic products (deltamethrin, buprofenzin, and imidacloprid) was tested to control the juvenile stages of P. spumarius.