Potential insect vectors of Xylella fastidiosa in Montenegro

As olive is the most widespread fruit tree in Montenegro, eventual detection of the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa would cause great economic losses, besides implying the implementation of a permanent monitoring campaign. This is especially due to the importance of early detection of the bacteria as well as its vector(s) for the timely implementation of control measures to prevent it spreading. Given the significance of the vectors in the transmission of X. fastidiosa and the limited information about their presence in Montenegro, a study was undertaken to determine the species of Auchenorrhyncha (Cicadomorpha) present in olive groves on the Montenegrin coast. During 2018, insects were collected using sweep net sampling at three locations in the area of Valdanos and two locations in the area of Radanovići (Sampling was carried out on weeds, twice in the area of Valdanos (late May and late October) and once in the area of Radanovići (early September). The collected insects were preserved in 96% alcohol until determination. Insect identification was performed on the basis of the morphological characteristics of the species. Sixteen Auchenorrhyncha species were identified of which 12 belong to the Cicadomorpha, three to the Aprophoridae and nine to the Cicadellidae families. In all three locations in the area of Valdanos the most prevalent was Philaenus spumarius L. (main vector of X. fastidiosa in Europe) while Lepyronia coleoptrata (L.) was mainly collected in the area of Radanović