The rapidly evolving disease complex, SBR and Stolbur, transmitted by the planthopper Pentastiridius leporinus is a major phytosanitary threat in European agriculture. Helen Pfitzner has updated the review published by Christian Lang et al. in 2025 in Sugar Industry International. The review highlights the insect’s expanding host range, increasing geographical spread, and growing economic impact.
A problem once limited to sugar beet has now become a multi-crop disease complex. Now, this disease affects potatoes, carrots, asparagus, rhubarb, and other vegetable crops, raising concerns across the agricultural value chain.
These diseases arise when the bacterial pathogen Candidatus Arsenophonus phytopathogenicus and the phytoplasma Candidatus Phytoplasma solani infect crops. P. leporinus transmits both. Researchers propose the term “Phloem Pathogen-Associated Wilt Syndrome” (PAWS) for the multiple crop diseases observed across different hosts.
The authors warn that the vector’s spread has accelerated across Central Europe. Germany is now the worst-affected country. Only six years ago, infections were limited to isolated sugar beet plants, showing how quickly outbreaks can become widespread. Climate change, intensive crop rotations, and more host plants all help the insect thrive.
Researchers express concern about the highly polyphagous planthopper, which completes its life cycle on many cultivated and wild plant species. Several crops serve as symptomless reservoirs, enabling pathogens to persist and spread unnoticed. The review also identifies new host associations, suggesting that the insect’s ecology is more complex than previously thought.
The disease complex causes major challenges in crop management. Currently, tolerant sugar beet varieties and crop rotation are the principal control measures. For the first time in 2025, Germany issued emergency authorisations for the use of insecticides against P. leporinus in severely affected regions. Field studies show that integrated insecticide programmes can raise economic returns, but they become less effective under very high pest pressure. This highlights the need for integrated pest management strategies.
Major gaps exist in knowledge about pathogen transmission, vector biology, and the role of alternative host plants. New vector species, such as Reptalus quinquecostatus in Central and Southeast Europe, suggest the disease complex’s epidemiology is getting more complicated.
The authors conclude that coordinated monitoring, better diagnostic tools, and ongoing research investment are vital to stop the disease complex from spreading. Without effective management, they warn, the growing vector populations and many susceptible crops could threaten European sugar production, vegetable industries, and rural economies.
DOI: 10.36961/si34841
