Identification of a newly described member of the tribe Erythroneurini as a potential vector of the Côte d'Ivoire lethal yellowing phytoplasma in coconut palms sole or in mixed infection with a 'Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris'-related strain

Abstract

This is a transcription of research for a detailed article published by the journal “Crop Protection.” Results of the study indicate that mixed infection of two phytoplasmas is occurring in coconut palms affected by Côte d’Ivoire lethal yellowing (CILY) disease in Grand-Lahou, Côte d’Ivoire, which may impact disease management and control. Of Hemiptera insects, eight families were identified including Aphrophoridae, Achilidae, Derbidae, Flatidae, Membracidae, Pentatomidae, Tropiduchidae, and Cicadellidae, the latter being the most abundant throughout the surveyed villages. A newly identified cicadellid leafhopper Nedotepa curta Dmitriev is a potential vector for the CILY phytoplasma.