Insect vector of Xylella is attracted or repelled by different aromatic plants depending on the sex of the adult and its distance from the source of essential oils.
It was already known that the nefarious Xylella fastidiosa “liked” Lavandula spp.; after all, it was in a lavender plant that the presence of the bacterium in Portugal was confirmed for the first time in January 2019. A team of scientists has since concluded that the males of the insect vector of the Xylella in Europe are attracted to the essential oils of lavender over long distances.
“Sustainable vector control is an essential part of pest management strategies.”, remember those responsible for the European XF-ACTORS project. The results of this study could contribute to the development of innovative approaches and tools to control the insect, as alternatives to the use of synthetic pesticides Philaenus spumarius, vector of Xylella fastidiosa in Europe - essential to control the spread of the bacteria.
Lavandula angustifolia Photo: Norbert Nagel/ Wiki
The team found that the peripheral olfactory system of the P. spumarius captures the volatile organic compounds present in the essential oils of pelargonium (also known as geranium or sardinia). Pelargonium graveolens, from Cymbopogon nardus (a relative of lemongrass), which produces citronella, and the Lavandula angustifolia (before officinalis), lavender. But the effect of this detection depends on the “dose” and the distance.
At any distance, both lavender and pelargonium repelled the females. Males, on the other hand, were attracted to geranium and repelled by citronella. At close range, both lavender and citronella were repellent to both females and males.
You can consult the original scientific article here.
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