First report of Flavescence dorée phytoplasma identification and characterization in three species of leafhoppers

Phytoplasma strains were sporadically found in specimens of Hishimonus hamatus, Japananus hyalinus and Graphocephala fennahi caught during an entomological survey conducted Southern Switzerland on the edges woods surrounding cultivated vineyards 2017. The subsequent molecular characterization pathogens allowed to identify them as strictly associated Flavescence dorée, a serious European grapevine disease, transmitted from vine by leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus. In particular, M12 M50 genotypes H. hamatus J. hyalinus, respectively, while G. harboured mixed phytoplasma with at least two different dorée isolates. potential importance these findings frame epidemics Europe is discussed.