Climate tolerances of Philaenus spumarius should be considered in risk assessment of disease outbreaks related to Xylella fastidiosa

Abstract The bacterium Xylella fastidiosa ( Xf ) is an invasive insect-borne pathogen, which causes lethal diseases to important crops including olives, citrus, almonds and grapes as well numerous forest, ornamental, uncultivated plants. Outbreaks of -related plant are currently occurring in the Mediterranean region, causing substantial losses various agricultural sectors. Several models have recently been published identify regions at highest risk Europe; however, such did not consider insect vectors, constitute key driver short-range spread. We fitted bioclimatic species distribution depict macroclimatic preferences meadow spittlebug Philaenus spumarius L. (1978) (Hemiptera: Aphrophoridae), major epidemiologically relevant vector responsible for spread Europe. Many Western Europe basin predicted by highly climatically suitable this vector, all where severe occurred so far. Conversely, driest warmest areas little P. . Models forecast that agricultural-important parts southern area might experience a decrease climatic suitability period 2040–2060. Areas just but optimal apparently still free outbreaks, suggesting climate tolerances partly explain current spatial pattern outbreaks should always be considered further assessments.