Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Torino, Grugliasco, (Torino), Italy
*Corresponding author e-mail: Alberto Alma, alberto.alma@unito.it
Online published on 13 January, 2016.
This paper embeds a review of insect vectors of Mollicutes plant pathogens in Europe and Middle East. A dissertation on systematic and phylogeny introduces the two groups of vectors: Auchenorrhyncha and Sternorrhyncha (Psyllidae). Aspects involving the differences in the transmission process of pathogens and the relationships of insect vectors and host plants have been considered. From an environmental point of view, flight activity, dispersal and spatial distribution have been dealt with in relationship with plant disease epidemiology. Finally, the main control and monitoring strategies have been discussed, along with the problem concerning alien species and quarantine regulations.
Auchenorrhyncha, psyllidae, phytoplasmas, spiroplasmas