Detection of Aster Yellows Phytoplasma in Aster Leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in Michigan

The aster yellows phytoplasma is a bacterial plant pathogen that infects multiple agricultural crops. The bacteria are spread from plant to plant primarily by the aster leafhopper, Macrosteles quadrilineatus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). Aster leafhoppers were collected in 2014 and 2015 growing seasons in celery and carrot fields in Michigan using sweep nets. Phytoplasma was detected in leafhoppers using nested PCR and qPCR, amplifying DNA segments in the 16S rDNA gene. The two methods were compared to determine the fastest and most accurate method to detect phytoplasma in leafhoppers. With accurate knowledge of aster leafhopper infectivity in agricultural fields, a more effective insecticide application schedule can be established to minimize the spread of the disease.