Abstract
Apple proliferation caused by the apple proliferation phytoplasma,
�Candidatus Phytoplasma mali�, causes major economic losses in European
apple production. The apple proliferation phytoplasma is naturally
spread by the two leaf sucker species Cacopsylla melanoneura and C
picta (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Psyllidae) It was investigated in a
previous study that both psyllid species use chemical cues for
orientation. In this study investigation were: carried out on the
behavioural reactions of C. picta on volatiles from healthy plants and
those infected with apple proliferation in respect to the infection
status of the psyllids themselves and to their previous host
experience. The influence of the apple proliferation phytoplasma on the
volatile emission of apple trees was investigated by head space
collection followed by gas chromatography coupled with mass
spectrometry.
The differences in the behavioural responses to the volatiles of
infected versus non-infected plants as well as the respective
differences detected among the volatile compounds will be presented and
ecological interactions between the association of C picta and �Ca. P.
mali� will be discussed.
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