The vector Haplaxius crudus (Hemiptera: Cixiidae) and potential vectors of lethal yellowing occur in palm trees of socioeconomic importance in Amapá, Brazil

Lethal Yellowing (LY) is a disease considered absent quarantine pest in Brazil, highly devastating, currently without efficient control, severely impacting coconut plantations in several countries, in addition to affecting 42 other palm species. The disease is caused by phytoplasmas, which are transmitted by planthoppers via feeding on plant phloem sap. The objective of this study was to identify the occurrence and composition of planthopper communities that are potential vectors of LY phytoplasmas in association with palm trees of socioeconomic importance in Amapá, Brazil. Planthoppers were collected in November 2022 and January 2023 (Less rainy season), April, May and June 2023 (Rainy season), in palm species (lowland açaí palm - LLA, upland açaí palm - ULA, bacaba palm - BC and peach palm - PC). The greatest diversity of families the planthoppers was observed in the cultivation of LLA, with values between 288 mm and <79 mm in the months of May 2023 and November 2022; however, the adults of Haplaxius crudus, vector of LY, occur in warmer periods and only in upland palm trees (ULA, BC, PC), with intermediate rainfall conditions, between 211 mm and 79 mm. The composition of the planthopper community was abundant and diverse in the area of native açaí palm trees. The species H. crudus, vector of LY, occurs in the cultivation of upland açaí palm, peach palm and bacaba palm in warmer periods. Such information supports containment strategies that avoid catastrophic damage to the economy associated with palm trees in Brazil.