Experimental Nets for a Protection System against the Vectors of Xylella fastidiosa Wells et al

Sergio Castellano, Antonella Di Palma, Giacinto S. Germinara, Marco Lippolis, Giuseppe Starace and Giacomo Scarascia-Mugnozza
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Sergio Castellano: Department of the Sciences of Agriculture, Food and Environment (DiSAFE), University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71100 Foggia, Italy
Antonella Di Palma: Department of the Sciences of Agriculture, Food and Environment (DiSAFE), University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71100 Foggia, Italy
Giacinto S. Germinara: Department of the Sciences of Agriculture, Food and Environment (DiSAFE), University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71100 Foggia, Italy
Marco Lippolis: Sachim Srl, Via Mastricale 7, 70017 Putignano, Italy
Giuseppe Starace: Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Via per Arnesano, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Giacomo Scarascia-Mugnozza: Department of Agricultural and Environmental Science (DiSAAT), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy

Agriculture, 2019, vol. 9, issue 2, 1-8

Abstract: The effectiveness of experimental nets in preventing the access of adult meadow spittlebug Philaenus spumarius L., the main vector of Xylella fastidiosa Wells et al. subspecies pauca , sequence type (ST) 53, in olive tree nurseries and orchards was evaluated. To optimize the net design, mesh size, kind of fabric, thread typology, and radiometric properties, six nets with different mesh sizes and kinds of fabric were evaluated in laboratory and in field experiments. Laboratory bioassays evaluating the capability of adult spittlebugs to pass through nets with different mesh sizes (1.2, 1.8, 2.4 mm) showed that all nets with a mesh size equal to or lower than 2.4 mm prevented insect crossing. These results were confirmed in field conditions using an experimental net box apparatus. Further laboratory tests showed a positive correlation between porosity and radiometric properties of the nets. Three prototypes of thermally stabilized flat woven nets made of circular cross-sectional yarns, knitted net with strips, and knitted nets made of yarns were tested after the evaluation of their potential usability in terms of porosity stability. The knitted net features were found to be the most suitable. The net transmissivity of the total and direct component of solar radiation in the photosynthetically active radiation and the infrared ranges increased with the net porosity. A prism-shaped wooden frame with a triangular base covered with the knitted net with a 2.4 mm mesh confirmed the insect’s capability of reaching considerable heights, up to 2.85 m. Hence, based on our results, the monowire knitted net with a 2.4 mm mesh can be used in open field nursery and olive orchards to prevent the access of P. spumarius adults and to shield the openings of greenhouse nurseries.

Keywords: insect-proof net; integrated pest management; nursery; olive tree (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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