Confirmation of Xylella fastidiosa (Lysobacterales: Lysobacteraceae) transmission by 8 leafhopper species present in coffee plantations in Costa Rica

Xylella fastidiosa Wells et al. 1987 is a vector-transmitted plant pathogen of economic importance that is widespread throughout coffee plantations in Costa Rica. Previous studies have shown the existence of a broad diversity of leafhoppers present in different coffee producing regions in Costa Rica. The presence of leafhoppers in coffee plantations with the presence of X. fastidiosa poses their role as potential vectors. To our knowledge, the vector status of leafhoppers present in coffee plantations in Costa Rica has remained unsettled. This work confirmed 8 species of leafhoppers as vectors of X. fastidiosa related to coffee in Costa Rica. Insects were collected in field in the northern part of the Costa Rican Central Valley, and leafhoppers were identified, classified, and grouped for further analysis. All the confirmed vector species belong to the subfamily Cicadellinae (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha), known as sharpshooters. The ability of these specimens to survive on coffee plants for a 72-h period was assessed. In planta transmission assays were performed on X. fastidiosa-free coffee plants under greenhouse conditions. X. fastidiosa was detected in plants after one and a half years, confirming the vector status of leafhoppers. Positive plants remained asymptomatic throughout the experiment. The implication of these species as vectors strengthens surveillance actions in local and international contexts.