IDENTIFICATION OF PHYTOPLASMAS AND THEIR INSECT VECTORS IN FRUIT TREE SPECIES AND GRAPEVINE IN HUNGARY

- Introduction of molecular methods, developed by Italian scientists, for detection of phytoplasmas in the insects for screening the potential Homoptera vectors in Hungary. - Molecular characterisation of phytoplasmas inducing GY diseases in Hungarian vineyards, to clarify the reason of low percentage of detection of causal agents in symptomatic grapevine. - Molecular characterisation of phytoplasmas in stone and pome fruit tree species in Hungary - Analysis of phytoplasmas detected in the infected vineyards and fruit trees orchards of Hungary, and comparison with Italian phytoplasmas affecting the same species. - Assistance to Hungarian researchers in the identification and in elaboration of technical requirements for insect rearing and vector transmission experiments. - Performance of joint phytoplasma transmission experiments together with the Hungarian scientists, not experienced in phytoplasma epidemiology, using infected materials of Hungarian and Italian origin. - Captures of Auchenorrhyncha specimens in Hungarian vine-growing areas to test them for phytoplasma presence and screen possible vector species. - Captures of Homoptera specimens (psyllids, etc) in Hungarian orchards to test them for phytoplasma presence and screen possible vector species.