Vibrations used to tackle mating vine pests

An Italian scientist has found a way to stop vineyard pests known as grapevine leafhoppers from mating – by playing “rival noise” to stop them finding females.

Bad vibes: Mazzoni’s discovery is bad news for grapevine leafhoppers but good news for grape growers

As reported by Wine Spectator, the mating rituals of American grapevine leafhoppers (scientifically known as scaphoideus titanus) can be disrupted through vibrations.

The pest, which arrived in Europe in the 19th century, feeds on rootstock spreading bacterium that causes incurable vine disease flavescence dorée.

The only way to exterminate them is through the use of pesticides, which goes against the philosophy of organic and biodynamic grape growers.

Male leafhoppers use vibrations rather than pheromones to attract a mate, sending out vibrational signals that cause the plants they’re on to tremble.

In response, females send their own vibrations back that allow the male to track them down and mate with them.

Dr. Valerio Mazzoni who works for Trento-based biotech company Fondazione Edmund Mach, found that when he played “pre-recorded rival noise” in the vineyard via electromagnetic “shakers”, the male leafhoppers couldn’t the females.

His discovery has attracted potential investors in the wine industry, and he’s looking into using the same technology to tackle the problem of glassy-winged sharpshooters.