Blunt-nosed leafhopper (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae): a re-emerging pest of cranberries

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Abstract The blunt-nosed leafhopper (Limotettix vaccinii Van Duzee; Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) is native to northeastern North America and is a major pest of American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton; Ericaceae), an economically important perennial fruit crop. This stenophagous leafhopper primarily feeds on ericaceous plants, exhibiting a strong preference for cranberry, although it can also utilize wild hosts including leatherleaf, fetterbush, and huckleberry. Limotettix vaccinii transmits the phytoplasma that causes cranberry false blossom disease, which disrupts floral development and prevents fruit set, resulting in yield losses. Because the phytoplasma is systemic, infected plants act as inoculum sources and must be removed to prevent further spread of the phytoplasma—a labor-intensive, time-consuming, and costly practice given cranberry’s growth habit and perennial nature. Effective management of L. vaccinii is therefore critical for maintaining disease-free cranberry production. Historically, several breeding programs focused extensively on developing cranberry cultivars with resistance to L. vaccinii; however, highly effective chemical control reduced the perceived need for host-plant resistance, leading breeding programs to deprioritize this trait. Recent restrictions on insecticide use due to environmental and human health concerns, combined with the adoption of high-yielding cultivars with less stress defenses, have contributed to a resurgence of L. vaccinii populations, posing renewed threats to the cranberry industry. Consequently, interest in expanding the integrated pest management toolbox for growers has grown, with increased emphasis on chemical, cultural, and host-plant resistance strategies. This review synthesizes the history, biology, ecology, behavior, and management of L. vaccinii and identifies future research priorities for integrated pest management.

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