Seasonal dispersal of Cacopsylla bidens and its role in the epidemiology of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma pyri’ in mixed-crop systems

‘Candidatus Phytoplasma pyri’, associated with pear decline, was identified in northern Israel pear, nectarine, and almond crops. The psyllid Cacopsylla bidens was found to vector this pathogen in pears and found year-round in pear orchards. It was found seasonally in pears’ surrounding crops. Molecular testing revealed 22–36% of psyllids found in pears, nectarine, almond, and cherry plots carried the pathogen. Findings highlight the vector’s seasonal movement between crops, emphasizing the need for integrated management to control the pear decline in mixed-crop systems.