ABSTRACT
The feeding behavior of the leafhopper vectors of Xylella fastidiosa, the causal agent of Citrus Variegated Chlorosis, can influence its transmission efficiency. The influence of soil water conditions and environmental temperature on survival and feeding behavior of the leafhopper Oncometopia facialis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) was evaluated on sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) seedlings. This study was carried out in a growth chamber adjusted for mean temperature and photophase of summer (24º C and 13h) and winter (19º C and 11h) seasons in the Central Region of Sao Paulo State. The plants were submitted to two soil water treatments: field capacity and water deficit. The survival of the O. facialis was lower on seedlings under water deficit, regardless of the temperature conditions (summer or winter). The sap ingestion rates, which were indirectly measured by the honeydew excretion, were higher on seedlings under field capacity for both temperature conditions. This study shows that soil water deficit reduces leafhopper survival and ingestion rates on citrus seedlings, thus providing evidence that host plant suitability to the vector is affected during the dry season.
KEY WORDS
CVC;
Xylella fastidiosa
; leafhopper vector; nutritional ecology;
Citrus sinensis
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