Survey of Xylella Vectors & Their Host Plant Preferences In Scotland Lester K, Cairns, R, Murphy, K, Serrano, J and Kenyon, D E: [email protected] http://www.sasa.gov.uk/diagnostics/bacteriology/xylella-fastidiosa Introduction The common froghopper or spittlebug Philaenus spumarius has been identified as the main vector of a bacteria called Xylella in Europe. Xylella is the cause of several serious plant diseases and has been recently identified as an emerging problem causing Quick Olive Decline Syndrome. The disease is not currently found in the UK but by improving our understanding of the biology of the vector we have a better chance of preventing the spread of the disease. Material and Methods Citizen Science: Chronological information: Identification: In 2018, records of host Every 2 weeks ‘spittle’ was A combination of plants were collected by the counted from 30 quadrats morphological identification general public from 75 sites. along 4 different 100m and molecular barcoding Samples were from a range transects. Adults were of plants and insects. of managed habitats e.g. sampled using a sweep net. gardens as well as natural habitats. Results & Conclusion Philaenus spumarius are highly polyphagous and were identified on over 93 different plant species from 39 families. e es ss The most common garden host a oacea recorded was lavender and the Gr most common natural hosts e Asteracea were grasses (Poaceae). & dandelions tles Further work is still required his nar to investigate if adults aceae B illoher migrate into the tree ram Ros b les canopy in the UK as aceae & nettles they do elsewhere in Europe. N at sts ura ho l hab plant 700 itat Philaenus sp. (nymph) 600 Neophilaenus sp. (nymph) Aphrophora sp. (nymph) 500 Philaenus sp. (adults) Neophilaenus sp. (adults) e cea int 400 Aphrophora sp. (adults) ia m r & am aenda 300 Ros Ros 200 Pr aceae e & s iet tr ADULTS aerr nar leaceae ors y 100 illohe a thia ceae r 0 b etc M May June July August Sept Oct a ts n os ‘Spittle’ counts and number of adult insects age t h d habitat plan.