The tree fruit industry across the Evergreen state is being warned that 2 nd generation leafhoppers are now active in area orchards. WSU said these 2 nd generation adult leafhoppers are known to transmit X-disease phytoplasma, meaning this is a critical period for monitoring and management.

After harvest, both leafhopper populations and phytoplasma levels within trees tend to increase. As phytoplasma concentration rises, the likelihood that leafhoppers will acquire and transmit the disease also goes up.

Leafhoppers are the only known vectors of X-disease phytoplasma. Seven species are currently known to transmit the disease:

In Washington, C. reductus and C. geminatus are the most commonly trapped carrying the pathogen.

Growers Reminded To Check Their Orchards

When

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