First reports of Grapevine flavescence dorée phytoplasma and its vector Scaphoideus titanus in Croatia
Grapevine flavescence dorée phytoplasma (EPPO A2 List) was identified for the first time in Croatia in 2008 on one infected Clematis vitalba plant, during a specific survey conducted in the vicinity of a vineyard in Železna Gora (Međimurska county). In vineyards, Grapevine flavescence dorée phytoplasma was first found in 2009. 35 grapevine samples were collected from 13 locations and the phytoplasma was identified in only 1 sample (Vitis vinifera cv. ‘Pinot Noir’) collected in October 2009 in Vivodina (Karlovačka county). Visual inspections of vineyards which were considered to have the highest potential for occurrence and spread of flavescence dorée continued during 2010. New findings were confirmed in 6 grapevine samples collected from 3 (out of 21) inspected locations: Sveta Nedelja and Jagnjić Dol (Zagrebačka county), and Brckovčina (Koprivničko-križevačka county). To prevent any further spread of the disease, phytosanitary measures were put into place. Infected grapevines at the above locations were uprooted and incinerated. The health status of grapevine will continue to be monitored during the forthcoming vegetation periods at locations where flavescence dorée infection was confirmed.
The insect vector of the disease, Scaphoideus titanus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), occurs in all major vineyards, but so far, molecular analyses have not confirmed the presence of Grapevine flavescence dorée phytoplasma in collected samples of S. titanus. In 2010, the largest populations of S. titanus were observed in the counties of Istarska, Karlovačka, Zagrebačka and Krapinsko-zagorska.
The pest status of Grapevine flavescence dorée phytoplasma in Croatia is officially declared as: Present, on grapevine first found in 2009, new findings in Zagrebačka and Koprivničko-križevačka counties, eradication measures conducted, under official control.
Sources
NPPO of Croatia (2011-11).