Leafhopper, planthopper and psyllid vectors of plant diseases: Taxonomic tools for their identification (Hemiptera)

The Hemiptera are a large and diverse order of exopterogote insects, which occur throughout the world. There are more than 50,000 described species in around100 families. The Hemiptera is now divided into 3 suborders: Heteroptera (true bugs), Sternorrhyncha (scale insects, aphids, whiteflies, psyllids) and Auchenorrhyncha (leafhoppers, planthoppers, cicadas, treehoppers and spittlebugs). Over 200 leafhopper, planthopper and psyllid vectors of phytoplasma, virus and Xylella are already known, but many more are expected to be identified because there are more diseases characterized than there are known disease vectors.

A new project, funded by The Leverhulme Trust (a UK-based foundation), will provide a comprehensive and accessible introductory guide to the leafhopper and planthopper vectors of phytoplasma, bacteria and virus diseases. Datasheets will be produced with high quality digital images of adult insects (and nymphs where available), taxonomic drawings of morphological features, and text on the biology and pest status of each species, including details of taxonomy, identification, similar species, biology, host plants, distribution, and diseases and bibliography. These will support both professionals as well as workers in developing countries seeking accurate information on identification.

A database of known plant diseases and their leafhopper and planthopper vectors from the various sources available, bringing together knowledge of both phytoplasma and virus diseases with taxonomic and biological vector details, available to both plant pathologists and entomologists. The approach taken of web-based and a published handbook will make dissemination easy, flexible and inexpensive with both introductory material and information on known vector species.