This paper presents the results of several trials conducted in 2009-14 in Italy to test different control strategies against the grapevine mealybug (Planococcus ficus), an introduced species in Trentino, which can cause direct damage (limiting production) and indirect (virus transmission) on the...

Severe infections of phytoplasmas on statice (Limonium sinuatum), are described, in Italy, for the first time. The molecular characterization of the phytoplasma allowed to identify it as belonging to 16S group (Candidatus Phytoplasma Asteris, AY). The AY transmission by meristematic plantlets or...

In this review, climate change, invasive pests, changes in horticultural techniques and plant protection strategies are considered as major factors potentially involved in problems associated with grape pests. Temperature increase can alter pest phenology, determining an increase in the number of...

Crops are subjected to extraordinary pandemics of relevant historical significance. Among the most famous pandemics are here shortly described: the cyclic invasions of locusts well known since the biblical ages; the deadly, countless attacks of ergotism provoked by Claviceps among European...

Two different citrus areas in Sicily, Italy were investigated to verify the diffusion of Citrus tristeza virus (CTV). Fortune mandarin trees imported from Spain were severely infected with CTV. Thousands of Tarocco sweet orange trees that differ in age were also infected with CTV from Catania,...

Viruses of the genus Tospovirus (tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV) and iris yellow spot virus (IYSV)) were monitored during 1999-2001 in various locations in Veneto representative of typical horticultural and floricultural nurseries and enterprises. Monitoring...

Severe infections of Citrus tristeza virus on sweet orange cv. Tarocco grafted on sour orange in a wide citrus area of plain of Catania, Sicily, Italy, are reported. We describe symptoms and diffusion of the virus in the field. Diagnosis and virus characterization has been carried out by test on...

Aphids may cause direct damage to crops but the most serious danger is derived from their role as virus vectors, especially if their outbreak occurs when the plants are young. The prediction of aphid populations is crucial to the successful application of control strategies. Several studies by...

The relationships between phytophagous insects and tree pathogens can be of permanent and occasional type. In the first case the insect tegument has specific structures where the fungus is preserved, whereas in the second case the fungal spores may simply adhere to the insect body or they pass...