Observations on population dynamics of leafhoppers in Western Sicily vineyards
From 2007 to 2009 field observations were carried out in two vineyards (organically and conventionally managed) in
Menfi (Agrigento province, Sicily). Population dynamics of two leafhoppers, Jacobiasca lybica (cotton leafhopper) and
Zygina rhamni were followed by chromotropic traps and leaf observation in field. Both species were constantly present
in vineyards. Z. rhamni did not register statistical differences between the two fields, while J. lybica was mostly present
in the conventionally managed field. In this vineyard for two consecutive years (2007 and 2008) J. lybica population exceeded
the intervention threshold. On the other hand, in the organically managed vineyard the cotton leafhopper population
remained below the intervention threshold for all the observation period