Tracking vectors of bacteria and phytoplasmas threatening Europe's major crops (VECTRACROP)

The main goal of the project was to generate more information on insect vectors of bacteria and phytoplasmas of phytosanitary concern, more specifically: a) on phloem and xylem feeding insects that should be tested as possible vectors for bacteria and phytoplasmas b) on the fruit and field crop range that the vectored bacteria and phytoplasmas cause damage to c) on the capability of the insects to vector specific bacteria and phytoplasmas of phytosanitary concern d) on the specific association between vector and plant pathogen.

The main objectives of the project were to gain insight into the following questions:

-Should yet-unknown phloem and xylem feeding insects (Auchenorryncha) be regarded as vectors of the pathogens in selected major crops in Europe?

-What monitoring and trapping techniques are optimal to efficiently survey the phloem and xylem feeding insect vectors?

-Are there reliable and validated diagnostic tools available to detect/monitor the prokaryotic plant pathogens inside the vectors?

-Can we generate extra information on the transmission pathways by monitoring phloem and xylem feeding insect vectors in and around selected infested fields?

-Can we generate extra information on the host range of the prokaryotic pathogens by performing vector-transmission trials between different test crops?

-Can we reduce the number of treatments of pesticides due the better understanding of relation vector/pathogen/environment and thereby enable a better integrated management of vectors and diseases  in the crops.