Life cycle of Flavescence dorée

Causal agent

Flavescence dorée is caused by a phytoplasma Candidatus Phytoplasma vitis, which persists in both infected grapevines and its insect vector, Scaphoideus titanus.

Acquisition & transmission

The leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus can acquire the phytoplasma starting from its earlier nymphal stages while feeding on infected grapevines. After a long latent period within the insect, the phytoplasma can be transmitted to healthy vines during subsequent feeding. Once infected, vines remain a permanent source of inoculum for further spread within the vineyard.

Due to the pathogen's long latent period inside the vector, only older nymphs and adults can transmit the phytoplasma. This highlights the importance of preventive treatments, specifically targeting young nymphal instars before they become infectious.

Disease development

Symptoms may not become visible until months after the initial infection. Since infected vines act as persistent reservoirs for the pathogen, early detection and removal are critical to prevent further epidemic spread within the vineyard.

Management of Flavescence dorée

Since there is no curative treatment for Flavescence dorée once vines are infected, strict prevention is essential for disease management. Effective strategies focus on reducing vector populations and eliminating pathogen reservoirs.

IPM measures

• Cultural practices
• Certified planting material: Use only disease-free (certified) propagation material to prevent introductions
• Infected vine removal: Remove and destroy infected vines to eliminate inoculum sources

Monitoring

• Vector monitoring: Monitor leafhopper populations throughout the growing season via sticky traps or canopy counts to guide interventions
• Vineyards monitoring: Monitor vineyards systematically throughout the season for early visual symptoms

Control of Flavescence dorée

Lumiere is an emulsion concentrate based on paraffinic oil. It can be used as part of an Integrated Pest Management strategy to help control Scaphoideus titanus, the vector responsible for spreading Flavescence dorée. Lumiere works through physical contact, helping reduce vector populations and thereby lowering the risk of disease transmission in the vineyard. Lumiere shows high efficacy particularly on young larval instars, therefore we recommend applying as early as possible upon young larvae detection. This recommendation is backed up by the fact that young larvae are not able to transmit the disease. Controlling the larvae of Scaphoideus titanus will stop the disease transmission of Flavescence dorée.