Grapevine Leafhopper Complex (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in Cyprus

Various species of leafhoppers attack grapevines throughout the world. In Cyprus, the grapevine leafhopper complex consists of three species that have been identified by C.A.B. International Institute of Entomology (London) as Zygina rhamni (Ferrari), Jacobiasca lybica (Bergevin & Zanon), and Asymmetrasca decedens (Paoli). Assessment of population density through D-vac samples and insect counts directly on the plants showed an overall prevalence of Zygina over the other two. Zygina and Jacobiasca prevailed in areas with drier microclimatic conditions (Avdhimou and Pakhna) where the overall relevant populations were 52% and 45%, respectively. At Phassouri, though, a much less drier area, 45% of the leafhopper population was Asymmetrasca. This pest prevailed from April to early August and then its populations dropped significantly as it moved to other host-plants. Minor differences have so far been found in the within-plant distribution of the two principal species. At low population...