Breaking down the danger:
The planthopper Pentastiridius leporinus is a major threat to the sugar beet industry in Europe, as it transmits the SBR disease caused by the bacteria Candidatus Arsenophonus phytopathogenicus (ARSEPH) and Candidatus Phytoplasma solani (PHYPSO).
A new research paper, published in the February 2025 issue of Sugar Industry International, provides an overview of the current knowledge on P. leporinus and its associated disease complex.
Key findings from the study:
✅ Completes its entire lifecycle on multiple crops (beet, potatoes and carrots), making eradication complex.
✅ Transmits both ARSEPH and PHYPSO pathogens, doubling the risk for farmers.
✅ There is currently no effective method for controlling P. leporinus and its associated pathogens.
✅ Causes severe economic losses with yield reductions of up to 50% in sugar beet.
✅ Urgent need for EU-wide collaboration to develop resistant crops and sustainable IPM strategies.
Why this matters:
SBR spread has a far-ranging food security crisis beyond sugar beet. The research underscores the need for a dedicated EU Plant Health Task Force to coordinate research and address the threat posed by P. leporinus.
Read the full study to dive into the biology, transmission mechanisms, and actionable solutions.