What is the insect vector for Aster yellows?

The correct answer is the leafhopper, which serves as the insect vector for Aster yellows. Leafhoppers are small, sap-sucking insects that feed on a variety of plants. They play a crucial role in the transmission of the Aster yellows phytoplasma, a type of bacteria that causes disease in various flowering plants, particularly in the Asteraceae family.

When leafhoppers feed on infected plants, they acquire the phytoplasma. After a certain period, they can transmit the pathogen to healthy plants during their feeding. This method of transmission is significant, as it allows the disease to spread rapidly through susceptible plant populations.

Understanding the role of leafhoppers in the lifecycle of Aster yellows is essential for effective management and control strategies. It allows pest control advisers to focus on monitoring and managing leafhopper populations to mitigate the impact of this disease on crops.