Vibrational disruption of feeding behaviors of a vector of plant pathogen

Interference with the behaviors associated to host plant recognition, and inter-and intra-specific communication of insect vectors of plant pathogens, could represent a sustainable strategy for reducing or disrupting pathogen transmission Here, we show that the transmission over a suitable host plant (sunflower) of a vibrational stimulus significantly affects the probing and feeding behavior of the spittlebug Philaenus spumarius (Hemiptera: Aphrophoridae), the main European vector of the fastidious bacterium Xylella fastidiosa. Specifically, ca. 30% of the individuals did not even attempt to probe the sunflower plants to which the stimulus was transmitted, while the remaining showed a sex-independent reduction in inges-tion of the xylem sap, i.e., P. spumarius\u2019 main food source, of ca. 67% compared to the control. Even so, the stimulus did not affect the feeding behavior when transmitted to olive plants. The possible reflection of a signal-based vector behavior disturbance on the epidemiology of X. fastidiosa, together with future research needs are discussed

Intrasexual vibrational behavior of Philaenus spumarius in semi-field conditions

Insects that communicate by vibrational signals live in a complex interactive network of communication. Most studies on insect intrasexual behavior, based on plant-borne vibrational signals, have targeted few individuals. Despite their importance, behaviors that occur within groups were often overlooked. The study of multiple individuals, when insects occur in high density could simulate the environment in which they live and provide more reliable information on their behavior. In semi-field conditions, we investigated the intrasexual behavior of the meadow spittlebug, Philaenus spumarius. Vibrational signals exchanged among individuals of the same sex were recorded throughout their adult stage, from late spring to early autumn, and during the day, from the morning to the evening using a laser vibrometer. Males were less active than females throughout the season and their interactions were less frequent compared to females. Intrasexual interactions were characterized by signal overlapping in both unisex groups, in addition to signal alternating only in the case of males. In conclusion, the study of signaling behavior in intrasexual groups contributed to a better understanding of P. spumarius social behavior. We discuss the hypothesis of a possible competitive behavior between males and cooperative behavior between female

Can vibrational playbacks disrupt mating or influence other relevant behaviours in Bactericera cockerelli (Triozidae: Hemiptera)?

Behaviours of insects can be manipulated by transmitting vibrational signals to host plants in order to develop pest management techniques. Bactericera cockerelli is an important pest and uses vibrations for mate-finding. In order to design a future control strategy for B. cockerelli, three different bioassays were performed to assess whether vibrational signals could affect relevant behaviours. Single males or pairs were treated with a female playback in test 1 and 2, respectively. In test 3, mixed sex groups received either different disturbance playbacks. The use of a female playback significantly reduced the mating success of males, since they were attracted towards the source of the stimulus. Moreover, test 2 revealed that B. cockerelli females are competitive, since they used their signals to cover the playback and to duet with males, while in test 3, the disturbance playback, consisting of broadband noises significantly reduced male signalling activity. However, none of the treatments of test 3 negatively affected the mating success of males, which tended to mount the other conspecifics present on the same leaf. The role of vibrations in sexual communication and their potential application as control technique for B. cockerelli are discussed as well