Knowledge of xylem feeders (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha) in Albanian olive orchards in readiness for a potential outbreak with Xylella fastidiosa invasion

Since Xylella fastidiosa first appeared in southern Italy, it has become essential to manage and limit its transmission. In areas unaffected by the bacterium, such as Albania, it is necessary to assess the risk of its spread, primarily by understanding the ecology of its potential vectors. A survey of 14 olive orchards was conducted over a period of 12 months from August 2015 and July 2016 in two Albanian counties (Vlora and Tirana) where olive production is important. The aim was to investigate the presence of Auchenorrhyncha species, with particular attention to xylem feeders, and Auchenorrhyncha species belonging to the families Aphrophoridae, Cercopidae, Cicadellidae, Issidae, Flatidae were found in both counties. In Vlora, four out of 11 collected species were Aphrophoridae and Cercopidae, whereas in Tirana, three species belonging to these families were captured. In both counties, the most abundant xylem feeder species was Philaenus spumarius. In Vlora, P. spumarius was found more frequently on olive trees than in Tirana. Philaenus spumarius and Neophilaenus campestris adults were most frequent in August, September, and October 2015, while both species were almost absent from December 2015 to March 2016. Our sampling demonstrated that Vlora region has a greater number of Auchenorrhyncha species than Tirana. Furthermore, molecular tests (real-time LAMP) showed the absence of X. fastidiosa in the tested individuals. This survey constitutes an important update on the X. fastidiosa situation in Albania, showing that the country is still free of X. fastidiosa, at least in the surveyed areas.