First report of Scaphoideus titanus in Western Switzerland
In Switzerland, as two cases of grapevine yellows were found in Valais and Ticino cantons in 1990, regular surveys are being conducted on grapevine flavescence dorée phytoplasma (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) and its vector Scaphoideus titanus. So far, grapevine flavescence dorée phytoplasma has never been identified in suspect grapevine material and Scaphoideus titanus has only been reported in Ticino (since 1967). During surveys carried out in summer 1996, S. titanus was trapped for the first time in the Canton of Geneva. Control measures are being applied to prevent the spread of the vector. The authors felt that this finding is of concern as foci of grapevine flavescence dorée are found in neighbouring countries, and if the disease were to be introduced into Switzerland the vector would be there to ensure its dissemination.
Sources
Clerc, L; Linder, C.; Günthart, H. (1997) Première observation en Suisse romande de la cicadelle Scaphoideus titanus Ball (Homoptera, Jassidae), vecteur de la flavescence dorée de la vigne.
Revue Suisse de Viticulture, Arboriculture, Horticulture, 29(4), 245-247.