First detailed record of Jikradia olitoria (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in the Swiss southern Alps and evaluation of its current potential as a vector of 16SrV-phytoplasmas

Jikradia olitoria Say is a Nearctic leafhopper that was recently identified in several European countries. Given its role as the vector of phytoplasmas associated with Grapevine Yellows diseases (GYD) in its native range, its presence in European vineyard agroecosystems could represent an important phytosanitary risk. Systematic monitoring conducted over two consecutive years (i.e., 2023 and 2024) using chromotropic traps in seven sites allowed to confirm its widespread presence in the southern Alps, both inside vineyards as well as in the nearby forest edge compartment. Moreover, a subset of the collected specimens was analyzed to test potential infection by phytoplasmas associated with Flavescence dorée.