SURVEY OF LEAFHOPPERS (HEMIPTERA: CICADELLIDAE) AND THEIR SEASONAL ABUNDANCE IN BERRY EXPORTS IN MICHOACAN, MEXICO

Abstract

Leafhoppers are among the most threatening pests of berries. Given the pest status of leafhoppers in berry production and the magnitude and importance of berries for export in Mexico, this study was conducted to survey, identify, and determine the seasonal abundance of leafhopper fauna in commercial blackberry and blueberry orchards in Michoacan. It was hypothesized that Cicadellidae species and their abundance, collected in commercial berry orchards, will vary by crop, phenological stage, and management. The leafhoppers were collected on a monthly basis using yellow traps, vacuum, and netting techniques from June through December 2020. A total of 7512 specimens representing six subfamilies, 18 tribes, 35 genera, and 45 species of leafhoppers were identified. Overall, a higher number of species and specimens were predominantly captured using yellow traps in comparison to the vacuum and netting methods. The largest number of species was concentrated in the subfamilies Cicadellinae and Deltocephalinae. Graphocephala rufimargo Walker (68 %) and Scaphytopius nitridus (DeLong) (5.07 %) were the predominant species. The dynamics and abundance were correlated with the fruiting periods, reduced precipitation, and management practices. Organic blackberries harbored more leafhoppers than those subjected to conventional management. The data collected in this survey, along with findings from related studies conducted in Mexico, should provide a foundation for additional research on the vector capacity of the identified species. It will also aid in developing management strategies to mitigate the risk of Xylella fastidiosa transmission in berry production systems.