Work

Development of an Innovative Mechanical–Aeraulic Device for Sustainable Vector Control of Nymphs of Philaenus spumarius

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Several management strategies based on different approaches have been proposed to contain the spread of the pest Xylella fastidiosa, but novel, effective, and sustainable physical methods are still needed. The present study is focused on the design, construction, and testing of an innovative mechanical–aeraulic device which implements a physical vector control strategy against the nymphs of Philaenus spumarius. The developed machine generates an airstream with proper temperature, shape, and velocity to impact the nymphs sheltered in the protective white “spittle” and cause their impairment or death. The machine generates a hot airflow with a temperature of 71.9 °C at 10 cm and 65.4 °C at 30 cm and a speed of 8.6 m s−1 at 10 cm to 6.2 m s−1 at 30 cm from the central axis of the outlet section. The area affected by the hot airflow was 2.65 m2, and the recorded mean temperature of the vegetation in this area was 60.2 ± 2 °C. The mean mortality rate of nymphs of Philaenus spumarius reached by using the developed machine was 84.3%.

Source: Agriculture

DOI: 10.3390/agriculture15242609

Authors: Francesco Paciolla, Alessia Farella, Gerardo Betrò, Annalisa Milella, Simone Pascuzzi

Institutions: University of Bari Aldo Moro, National Research Council

Language: English

Topic: Phytoplasmas and Hemiptera pathogens

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137