Biology of Circulifer opacipennis vector of Spiroplasma citri
Laboratory studies on the development and fecundity of Circulifer opacipennis, vector of Spiroplasma citri (potential EPPO A2 pest) were carried out at the University of Bonn, Germany. It was found that the development of the vector is strongly affected by temperature. Each egg and instar stage was shortest at 35ø C. Oviposition period and longevity were significantly shorter at 35ø C than at 30ø or 25ø C. Fecundity was highest at 30ø C. It was concluded that the optimum temperature for the development of C. opacipennis is 30ø C and that the vector and S. citri, whose optimum temperature for multiplication and transmission is also 30ø C, are a well adapted vector-pathogen system.
Sources
Segonca, C.; Kersting, U.; Cinar, A. (1991) Laboratory studies on the development and fecundity of Circulifer opacipennis (Lethierry) (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) an important vector of Spiroplasma citri Saglio et al. in the Mediterranean area.
Zeitschrift fr Pflanzenkrankheiten und Pflanzenschutz 98, 650-654.