Host-plant association and host-shifting of nymphs and adults of Philaenus spumarius (L.) in Italian olive orchards

<p>The spittlebug Philaenus spumarius is by far the most abundant xylem-sap feeder insect in the<br> Italian olive agroecosystems and is the proven vector of Xylella fastidiosa CoDIRO strain to olive in<br> Apulia. This highly polyphagous species has one generation per year, nymphs develop in late<br> winter-early spring, and adults are present over an extended period from spring onwards. Four<br> olive orchards of one ha in size were chosen in the Liguria (North-Western Italy) and in Apulia<br> (South-Eastern Italy) regions. Host-plant association of nymphal stages on the herbaceous cover<br> was investigated while, for the adults, the presence on herbaceous and woody hosts was recorded<br> all through the season