The psyllid fauna (Hemiptera: Psylloidea) of vegetable fields in Brazil

Some psyllids transmit 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' (Lso), the causal agent of devastating plant diseases cultivated Solanaceae and Apiaceae. The recent detection Bactericera cockerelli Lso in Ecuador seriously threatens these crops South America. There, neither role native epidemiology nor psyllid fauna vegetables are known. With aim to identify potential vectors risk scenarios for spread America, a survey Apiaceae associated weeds was conducted Brazil. Samples were taken at 29 localities four states. A total 2857 specimens sampled, representing least 37 species 23 genera seven families. most frequent on carrot, chilli pepper potato Russelliana solanicola, R. capsici Isogonoceraia divergipennis, respectively. Immatures found solanicola carrot potato, confirming plants as hosts. two have been suspected previously pathogens unknown identity. is one few polyphagous species. Here reported first time from carrot. Recent collections Rio Grande do Sul suggest that Solanum laxum represents original host capsici, which subsequently shifted pepper. Both, adaptation agricultural possibility ability pathogens, make dangerous other