EFSA - The BIODROB project focuses on the study of a xylem-feeding insect called Draculacephala robinsoni, a leafhopper recently introduced in Europe and suspected of being a vector of Xylella fastidiosa, a very dangerous plant bacterium.
The main goal is to gather detailed information about the biology, ecology, and behavior of this insect. Specifically, researchers will use advanced techniques, such as EPG (Electrical Penetration Graph), to closely observe how the insect feeds and how often it transmits the bacterium to different plants.
Furthermore, the project will analyze how these insects communicate with each other through vibrations. This research could lead to the development of "semiochemicals," that is, chemical or physical signals that attract or repel the insect, offering new strategies to control the spread of Xylella fastidiosa.
In summary, the BIODROB project aims to better understand a potential vector of a plant disease, with the goal of finding innovative solutions to protect our crops.