Preliminary results of comparative efficacy evalutation trials against Philaenus spumarius L., vector of Xylella fastidiosa

The meadow spittlebug Philaenus spumarius L. is currently considered as one of the most common insects in the world; the species is ubiquitous and widely polyphagous. P. spumarius has never been associated to significant direct damage on agricultural and ornamental crops, thus no specific control measures targeting this insect species have been so far developed. However, within the xylem-feeders, this species has been considered the only ascertained vector of X. fastidiosa in the European and Mediterranean countries. The fact that both P. spumarius and X. fastidiosa are associated with a large number of woody and herbaceous plants and that P. spumarius turned to be an efficient vector of X. fastidiosa and the most abundant species of Auchenorrhyncha are detected in the olive orchards in the infected area poses major risks related to the rapid spread of the Xylella-induced disease. An integrated pest management strategy aimed at reducing the juvenile and adult spittlebug populations is extremely urgent for suppressing the vector population. A good control of the nymphs of P. spumarius can be achieved when they still feed on weeds by mechanical interventions, which have limited environmental impact. Conversely, the control of the adult population requires the use of insecticides. No active compounds are currently registered in Italy for the control of P. spumarius and no data are available on the efficacy of any insecticide for the control of this species. In 2015, four field trials were set up in the infected area of Salento to evaluate the effectiveness against P. spumarius of different organic and chemical insecticides.