Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment

Flatid plant hopper (Metcalfa pruinosa Say) a new dangerous insect pest of ornamental and agricultural plants in Romania

Author(s):

Gogan Alina ¹, Ioana Grozea ¹*, Ana Maria Virteiu ¹, Narcis Baghina ²

Recieved Date: 2013-08-30, Accepted Date: 2013-10-02

Abstract:

Metcalfa pruinosa Say (1830) (Insecta:Homoptera:Flatidae), most commonly known as flatid plant hopper, is a relatively new insect pest for Eastern Europe. In Romania, the first recorded of species was in 2009 in Constanta, in an isolated eastern area; the second recorded was in 2010 in Timisoara area at a long distance and opposite from the first point. The main purpose of this paper is to detect new areas infested and determine the range of the host plants. Researches made in the west part of Romania for over 2 years (2011 and 2012), and covered green spaces between buildings, public green parks, orchards and vineyards. Observation points have been established as the western border counties. Their choice has been taking into account of ecological preferences of pest and geographical coordinates of studied zone. Host plants of flatid vary from area to area including herbaceous or woody, ornamental or agricultural plants. The most visible damage were observed in follows plant species: Acer sp., Tilia cordata, Rhus typhina, Carpinus betulus, Catalpa bignonioides, Ficus carica, Hibiscus syriacus, Juglans nigra, Ulmus minor, Rosa sp., Philadelphus sp., Cornus sp., Vitis vinifera, Prunus armeniaca, Prunus persica, Malus domestica. Most plants affected are ornamentals species but agricultural plants from vineyards and orchards highlights a significant increase in both the level of damage and species. The colonies of adults and larvae are located usually on leaves and shoots, fruits and grapes clusters. The damage caused may directly and indirectly affect the growth and development of plants. Rapid expansion in the last two years and the poliphagous nature require attention from specialists for limiting their spread.

Keywords:

Metcalfa pruinosa, insect pest, invasive, host plants, colonies, damage, monitoring

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Journal: Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment
Year: 2013
Volume: 11
Issue: 3&4
Category: Environment
Pages: 2065-2070

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