Abstract
Preventing the diffusion of phytoplasma associated diseases is based mainly on indirect control measures against the transmitting insect vectors. In order to survey the occurrence and infectivity of the apple proliferation vectors Cacopsylla picta and C. melanoneura an intensive monitoring program was realized in the apple growing region of South Tyrol. A constant decrease of population densities for both psyllid species was observed since 2015, partly correlated to the application of insecticides during the blooming phase. Percentages of about 21% of infected adults of C. picta indicate that this vector poses a high risk as a vector of the pathogen even at low densities.