Developing an acoustic tool for mating disruption of Scaphoideus titanus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) = Razvoj akustične metode za motenje paritvenega vedenja ameriškega škržatka (Scaphoideus titanus; Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)

Leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) rely exclusively on vibrational signals to guide their mating behaviour, which opens a possibility for innovative approaches to controlling pest populations. Artificially induced mechanical vibrations are, in principle, able to prevent mating by obscuring information about the emitter's location, identity and quality, contained in vibrational signals and necessary for mating success. We developed a proof of concept, targeting an invasive leafhopper species Scaphoideus titanus, which acts as a vector for the phytoplasma Flavescence dorée in grapevines. We used a disturbance signal, such as it is used by males of this species in rival interactions with other males, and transmitted it into plants using a minishaker or a loudspeaker playback. We tested efficiency and limitations of the technique in laboratory and semi-natural conditions, focusing on amplitude, diel pattern of activation and method of transmitting disturbance signals to host plants of S. titanus. Our ultimate goal is to develop an environmentally friendly technique for insect pest control that could replace pesticide use in certain settings, such as vineyards and greenhouses