Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Protective netting blocks leafhoppers spreading X-disease in cherry
By Marshall AT et al.·2026·USDA-ARS, United States·View original on Europe PMC →
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Original publication title: Protective netting as a barrier against the X-disease phytoplasma vector Colladonus reductus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in cherry orchards.
Plain-English summary
This study looked at how protective netting can help prevent the spread of X-disease, a serious illness affecting cherry trees caused by a tiny organism called phytoplasma. The researchers tested different types of netting in cherry orchards that had high levels of infection from the leafhopper insect, which spreads the disease. They found that fine-mesh netting reduced the number of leafhoppers by over 99%, while shade netting also significantly lowered their numbers by about 90%. This suggests that using netting could be an effective way to protect cherry trees from these harmful insects. The researchers recommend further testing of netting in commercial orchards to see how well it works in real farming situations.
Abstract
X-disease, caused by "Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni," poses a significant economic threat to the stone fruit industry, causing the removal of vast cherry acreage in Washington State. The most abundant vector in these orchards is the leafhopper Colladonus reductus (Van Duzee). Growers need season-long preventative alternatives to insecticides for a robust integrated pest management program. Thus, this study evaluated the efficacy of protective netting as a barrier to C. reductus. Between 2024 and 2025, 3 field trials were conducted testing 4 types of netting (20% shade, 30% shade, Mesh 25, and Mesh 50) against a non-covered control. Trials were established in 2 cherry orchards with high levels of X-disease phytoplasma infection. Molecular analysis of the ambient vector population confirmed a 73% and 56% infection rate with 'Ca. P. pruni' at each orchard, respectively, highlighting severe disease pressure. Small enclosures (1.2 × 0.6 m) containing 5 potted Prunus trees (sweet cherry and peach) were monitored using yellow and clear sticky cards for C. reductus presence. Fine-mesh exclusion netting reduced C. reductus abundance by over 99%, and shade netting consistently caused a 90% reduction. These findings demonstrate a successful proof of concept that netting can serve as a physical barrier to leafhopper vectors that transmit X-disease phytoplasma. Netting should be examined in a commercial orchard setting and for effects on pathogen transmission.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Europe PMC: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42010953