Transmission characteristics of the European stone fruit yellows phytoplasma and its vector Cacopsylla pruni

A study was carried out on the transmission parameters of the European stone fruit yellows phytoplasma by the vector Cacopsylla pruni. In the greenhouse, using groups of psyllids, the minimum acquisition period was 2-4 days, the minimum latent period 2-3 weeks and the minimum inoculation period 1-2 days. The vectors retained infectivity until their death. Under natural conditions retention of infectivity in C. pruni lasts through the winter and the following spring, when the overwintering insects reach the stone fruit trees, they are already infected and infective. The research shows that the vector C. pruni transmits the European stone fruit yellows phytoplasma in a persistent manner.