Assessing the Potential of Tortistilus (Hemiptera: Membracidae) from Northern California Vineyards as Vector Candidates of Grapevine Red Blotch Virus.

ABSTRACT: Ceresini treehoppers are present in northern California vineyard ecosystems, including the closely related Spissistilus and Tortistilus (Hemiptera: Membracidae). These membracids are not direct pests of wine grapes, but S. festinus is a vector of grapevine red blotch virus (GRBV). No information is available on the ability of Tortistilus spp. to transmit GRBV. In this study, Tortistilus were collected on yellow panel cards across 102 vineyard sites and surrounding areas in Napa Valley, California, USA in 2021-2023. Specimens were morphotyped, sexed and tested for GRBV ingestion and acquisition by multiplex PCR or qPCR. Phylogenetic analysis of the partial sequence of mt-COI and ITS gene fragments of a subset of 40 Tortistilus specimens revealed clu

SUBMITTER: Hoyle VJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11432720 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature