Population fluctuation and faunal analysis of leafhoppers (Cicadellidae) in a plum orchard in Paranapanema, São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

The production of plum is of great economic importance for Brazil. São Paulo is the fourth largest producer, but is facing a serious phytosanitary problem due to the disease Plum Leaf Scald. The disease is caused by the bacteria Xylella fastidiosa, which is transmitted by leafhoppers (Cicadellidae: Cicadellinae). This study aimed to identify species of leafhoppers (Cicadellidae: Cicadellinae; Gyponinae) in a plum orchard in the municipality of Paranapanema (São Paulo - Brazil); performing faunistic analysis; analyse of sampling methods and the population fluctuation. Sampling was conducted from April 2011 to May 2012 in a Japanese plum orchard, Prunus salicina Lindl., containing plants aged 4-5 years, variety Gulfblaze, with total area of 1 ha. Leafhoppers were collected with yellow sticky cards installed in 10 equidistant points. Each point contained two traps, low and high, which were replaced every 15 days. Eight species of leafhoppers were identified, five in Cicadellinae: Bucephalogonia xanthophis; Hortensia similis; Macugonalia cavifrons; Sonesimia grossa and Oncometopia facialis. Three in Gyponinae: Curtara samera; Sordana placida and Sordana sordida. Curtara samera and Oncometopia facialis were classified as constant and dominant species with respective frequency of 32.5 % and 20.9 %. The population peak of Cicadellidae was in July 2011.