“Flavescence dorée” vector control in Italy

Optimization of Schaphoideus titanus control by extending insecticide applications to all the vineyards is the main goal for “flavescence dorée” disease management especially taking into account late flying of the leafhoppers colonizing the vineyards from wild areas or abandoned vineyards. Neonicotinoid insecticides appear the most active in protecting plants from phytoplasma transmission but their use may affect honey bees and other pollinators, a new thiamethoxam application targeted to the trunk of the grapevine is under investigation. As a long term perspective, symbiotic control and vibrational mating disruption strategies are under investigation.